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The goal of the 4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology (SET) Initiative is to address America's critical need for more scientists and engineers by engaging 150,000 youth by 2013. 4-H SET activities and projects combine non-formal education with hands-on, inquiry-based learning in a positive youth development context to engage youth in improving their SET knowledge, skills and abilities. 4-H SET activities and projects combine the strengths of 4-H Youth Development non-formal experiential-based delivery modes and strong youth-adult partnerships to address SET content as defined by the National Science Education Standards. |
Junior Master Gardener® Program
The
Junior Master Gardener (JMG®) Program was introduced in California
in 1999. This exciting national youth gardening program, developed by
Texas Agricultural Extension Service, Texas A&M University System,
cultivates leadership and volunteering by utilizing fun, hands-on horticultural
projects. It also kindles and ignites an interest in science (biology)
through exciting hands-on activities. It fosters personal pride and
responsibility, and encourages peer and cross-generational mentoring.
The
University of California 4-H Youth Development Program is a State Partner with
the JMG® Program. Additional program information may be found on the National JMG website: www.jmgkids.us
Junior Master Gardener® Curricula
The Junior Master Gardener program engages children in novel, "hands-on" group and individual learning experiences that promote a love of gardening, develop an appreciation for the environment, and cultivate the mind. JMG encourages youths to be of service to others through service learning and leadership development projects and rewards them with certification. Click here for information about the various JMG curricula available!
 Growing a Vegetable Garden Certification
If you have the Level One JMG Teacher Guide (order your copy), complete the following steps to allows your students to earn their JMG certification in Growing a Vegetable Garden:
1. Register Your JMG Group
There is no cost to register. Just complete and return the JMG registration form and we'll send your group's personalized JMG Registered Group Certificate within two weeks!
2. Complete the Lessons Below
- Hamburger Plants (p.3)
- Home Sweet Home (p.157)
- Know & Show Sombrero (p.4)
- Make Your Pick (p.159)
- Small & Large (p.160)
- Rules are Rules (p.161)
- Schedule It (p.162)
- Paper Towel Gardening (p.165) or Tender Transplants (p.167)
- Plant Parts Rap (p.8)
- Building Bins & Compost Sandwiches (p.31)
- Oxygen Factory (p.17)
- Garden to the Table (p.171)
- Plant a Seed (p.199, from Life Skills & Career Exploration Chapter)
3. Complete a Service Project
It is recommended that your group give away produce from the garden. If it's just a few pieces of produce, they might be given to your school's nurse, custodian or secretary along with a note of appreciation. A larger bag full of produce could be given away to a local food pantry.
Once these steps are completed, simply return the JMG completion form. Our office will send a personalized certificate for each student completing the certification requirements.
New
Curriculum!
To cultivate the connection children's gardening experiences to great books, the Junior Master Gardener program has developed Literature in the Garden. This curriculum utilizes six Growing Good Kids Book Award-winning titles to inspire learning through outdoor activities, creative expression and open exploration. It will enhance youths' understanding of the messages and powerful illustrations conveyed in these stories. Literature in the Garden will serve to make both their learning and the stories they are reading more relevant.
Using quality children's literature to connect kids to gardening and the natural world is a compelling concept. And bringing gardens and great books together may just be another way to grow good kids.
In Literature in the Garden, children will:
- explore the natural world, with activities that encourage leadership development, personal pride, responsibility and community involvement.
- developing critical thinking skills, youths will identify local conservation concerns and take action to address them through individual and group projects.
- Using quality children's literature to connect kids to gardening and the natural world.
All while taking part in an integrated curriculum that will strengthen skills in math, science, language and social studies.
National
Jr. Master Gardener®
Program
California State Standards
If
you have any questions or comments, or if I can assist you with your JMG®
Program, please contact:
 Susan Gloeckler
State Coordinator, Junior Master Gardener® Program
669 County Square Drive, Suite 100
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 662-6943
sygloeckler@ucdavis.edu
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