4-H Projects in Johnson County Kansas
4-H offers a wide variety of subject matter through its many projects. Youth enrolled in community clubs will have the opportunity to take part in many of the projects with the assistance of a project leader. Project clubs will focus on one or two specific project areas and will provide a very in-depth look at the project.
Kansas 4-H Project Selection Guide
Kansas 4-H Project Resources
The Kansas 4-H site has a number of excellent resources for projects. Check out the project pages and the library of publications to see what materials are available.
Countywide Projects
There are project leaders that lead countywide project meetings open to all 4-H members. For more information click Countywide Projects.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q- How many projects should a 4-H member enroll in?
A- There are no firm rules for how many projects a member should enroll in, however beginning members may want to limit their project selection to one or two for the first year. Older 4-H members may want to consider all obligations for their time as they select projects. Consider time commitments for school, extra curricular activities, work and social schedules.
Q- What if I don't see the project I am interested in on the list?
A- Let us know what project you are interested in, and we will do our best to try to accommodate for that. There is a self-determined project that those youth interested in something that is not on the list can be entered in.
Project Selection Guides
Select projects have project guides that will give you a more in-depth look at what the project has to offer. Just click the following project title to view the project guides. We are working to create guides for the project that don't currently have them.
Animal Science
Beef
Learn all aspects of the beef industry by raising a market steer or building your own herd by raising heifers and cows.
Dairy Cattle
Got milk or ever wonder about the power of cheese? Spend a little time with the animal that creates all of this goodness. Members learn more about dairy animals and caring for and raising one. Members usually start with a heifer or a yearling heifer. Older members may start with a producing cow.
Dairy Goats
Did you know goat milk is used for human consumption? In fact more people in the world drink goat milk than cow milk, although in the U.S. the opposite is true. Dairy goats are a great project for members to learn about agriculture around the world and in your own backyard. Members may start with a doe and then raise kids to create their own dairy goat herd. Learn more
Dog
This project is for youth who are interested in learning more about dogs, how to care for a dog and how to train a dog in basic or advanced commands. Any kind of dog may be used in this unique project that is not designed to conform to AKC or other professional standards. Members without dogs may wish to participate in quiz bowls, conferences and other activities that do not require dog ownership.
Horse
If you love horses, then this project is for you! You will have the opportunity to learn about, handle, care for and ride horses. Members may own or lease a horse, but must have complete access to the horse at any time and must provide full care and management 75% of the time, whether owned or leased. "Horseless Horse" members do not own or lease a horse, but participate in judging, quiz bowls, hippology, presentations and may help with horse shows and trail rides.
Meat Goats
The 4-H meat goat project is designed for members who are interested in learning more about raising meat goats. The meat goat project is quickly growing with an increasing demand for meat products. Learn how to select, raise and care for a meat goat.
Pets
Whether you're a fish, hamster or a cat lover, this project is intended for members to learn more about their household friends. You will focus on the hand or aquarium pets or cats as you learn about the different species and how to keep them healthy. You will have the chance to be creative and design a toy for your pet, create a commercial or even a scavenger hunt.
Poultry
This project is designed to help you learn about chickens and other poultry. You will acquire an understanding of scientific poultry management and marketing practices. You will gain business experience and insight into the values and principles of purchasing, marketing, record keeping and exhibiting poultry.
Rabbits
The rabbit project will help you learn how to raise and care for your rabbits. It is suggested that you start with a doe and extend the project each year.
Sheep
The sheep project will help you learn more about the sheep industry. You will learn how to care for and feed a market lamb or build your own breeding flock.
Swine
Feed out a market hog or start your own breeding herd by enrolling in the swine project. Learn to select and judge quality animals and meat products.
Veterinary Science
The 4-H veterinary science project provides an excellent way for young people who care for animals and may want to follow a career in veterinary medicine, explore the topic. In this project, members will learn about animal health, behavior, and visit with veterinarians. You do not have to own an animal to be in this project.
Communication & Expressive Arts
Communications
Youth will learn to interpret verbal and nonverbal information, develop effective public speaking skills, enhance written and spoken communication, defend a point, or design a presentation.
Performing Arts
Do you enjoy being in the spotlight? Do you like to be creative while performing on-stage or setting up backstage? Then you should jump into this project! You will learn to express yourself in front of a crowd either on-stage, backstage, as a puppeteer or writing your own script.
Photography
Capture your friends and important events through photography. Learn about basic and advanced cameras and how to plan, compose, light and exhibit your photos. Advance into wide-angle and telephoto lenses, filters, light meters and computer enhancement.
Visual Arts
This project combines the likes of drawing, painting and working with clay or leather. You will explore art techniques, study art history and culture and discover artistic challenges. Develop your artistic skills and talents while learning the elements and principles of design.
Consumer & Family Science
Sewing & Textile Design
This project will teach you the basics like sewing a shirt or putting a zipper in a pair of pants. The advanced units will teach you how to take the design of your choice and customize it for the perfect look, color and fit.
Shopping in Style
This project will introduce you to a whole new world of options with outfits, clothing, and accessories. You can plan a budget for an outfit, choosing between different shades of colors and analyzing clothing advertisements. 4-H'ers may participate in the Fashion Revue to model either their constructed or purchased items.
Family Studies
4-H members will learn about their own growth and development as well as that of others in the Family Studies project. It will help youth learn about children of different ages and appropriate activities that help children grow and develop physically, socially, mentally and emotionally. Youth will learn about building family strengths to nurture children. Learn more
Fiber Arts
Have you ever wondered how your grandmother crocheted that scarf for you or embroidered the pillowcases? Have you looked at the quilt on your mother's bed and wondered how it was made? The Fiber Arts is defined as the practical skills passed down from preceding generations that were developed to provide basic family needs, such as apparel, home furnishings or decorations.
Foods & Nutrition
In this project, you will have fun learning how to cook the basics and then advance to gourmet and international meals. You will learn the heritage of many foods as well as consumer buying skills to get the most for your money. In addition, you will learn how to make healthy snacks and modify your recipes to fit a healthy lifestyle. Learn more
Health & Wellness
Health, exercise and recreation are vital parts of our daily lives. You can focus on physical activity, healthy eating, exercise, sports and recreation or first aid in relation to any of the other phases.
Interior Design & Architecture
This project gives you the opportunity to examine space, both inside and out. Decorating a room, experimenting with colors and different types and patterns on your walls and creating the feeling of coziness in a family room are all part of this project. Being an interior designer is all about making a house a home, and the Home Environment project will give you this opportunity.
Engineering & Technology
Aerospace/Rocketry
Participants in this project learn about the latest in aerospace technology as well as explore the fundamentals of rocketry such as lift, drag, and other factors that affect rocket design. Youth have the opportunity to try out various designs of rockets as well build their own rockets and test their flight ability. There are also opportunities to learn more about GPS and GIS.
Ag Mechanics Welding
This project allows youth to explore areas of Ag mechanics and metallurgy from repairing or repurposing items to the fabrication of new items. In the project, you'll identify welding equipment, learn about electrodes, learn basic arc welding skills, and demonstrate appropriate welding skills.
Astronomy
Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered? Are you curious what the stars and planets are made of? Astronomers ask big questions and seek out the secrets of the universe. If you find these questions interesting then this 4-H project is for you!
Building Block Engineering
The project is starting with an emphasis on using building blocks (“Legos”) to construct dioramas. This project allows youth to explore architectural design in a three dimensional space.
Computer Science
This project teaches concepts related to computers, hardware knowledge, software programming and applications, internet safety, the building, maintenance and repair of computers and future career opportunities. Youth will be introduced to the five fundamental principles of computer programming, providing a foundation for exploring and creating.
Electric & Renewable Energy
This project develops skills related to safe practices, proper use of fuses and circuit breakers, proper lighting techniques, and proper wiring techniques. Youth will also have the opportunity for hands-on experiences and knowledge they will use in the future. They will experience technology firsthand while learning communication and decision-making skills.
Robotics
Youth have the opportunity to practice and refine their engineering skills through programs like Junk Drawer Robotics. Using LEGO robotics platforms coding and programming skills are emphasized.
Small Engines
In this project youth will have hands-on experiences that will help them understand how small engines work and how to keep them working. Youth will identify and discover the function of different engine parts, learn compression ratios, safety issues, and lastly tear down and rebuild an engine all while learning the valuable life skills.
Uncrewed Aircraft Systems
This project combines all of the STEM competencies in one exhilarating area. Learn about the technology that make flight possible. Gain the skills needed to pilot your drones safely and successfully. Try out real world applications through advanced training missions.
Woodworking
This project requires that you enjoy working with wood, using tools and building things. Can you see yourself building a table, a wood toy or a chair? As a beginning woodworker, you can build many items. As your skills grow, you will be able to make most of the objects in your house or even help build a home!
Leadership & Personal Development
Civic Engagement
The Citizenship project is designed to help members find out more about themselves, family, friend, community and world. The project will lead to opportunities for meeting people and working with groups. Learn about other countries and cultures. Learn more
Leadership
Are you ready to step up to leadership? This project will bring out the best in you. You will learn about the skills it takes to be a leader such as: understanding yourself, communicating, getting along with others, learning, making decisions, plus managing and working with groups.
Reading Adventures
Do you enjoy a good book? Do you like to read and study other project areas in 4-H? Check into the phases of the 4-H Reading project.
Self-Determined
The self-determined project is just that - you decide what you do or study. Is there something you have a passion for that is not included in the 4-H project listing? Then, this is your opportunity to create your own project. Research a sport, hobby or career - the sky is the limit!
Natural Resources
Environmental Science
The Exploring Your Environment curriculum series provides opportunities for youth to engage in learning about environmental science through hands-on, experiential learning experiences in the natural sciences and technology. There's No New Water! is a water conservation and water quality curriculum grounded in the concept that water is a finite natural resource whose quantity and quality must be responsibly preserved, protected, used and reused.
Geology
Did you find a rock at the park and don't know what kind it is? What about fossils? If you would like to learn more about rocks, minerals and fossils, then dive into the Geology project! Discover the types of minerals, rocks and fossils that can be found where you live. Learn about geological formations across the state and in other states.
Shooting Sports
Whether you have an air rifle, .22 rifle, shotgun, air pistol or bow and arrow, the shooting sports project teaches you gun safety, hunting skills and the opportunity to test your skills. If you have an interest in guns and/or hunting in any form, this project is the best way to learn about them. Check with your local extension office for the availability of certified leaders before enrolling. Learn more
Wildlife
Kansas wildlife is a large part of our state ranging from buffalo to birds to fish to deer and more. In this project you will learn about wildlife behavior, habitat requirements, how wildlife species fit into nature's scheme, how they are managed, and how they relate to humans.
Plant Science
Agronomy
Experiment with soil testing, grow and harvest crops, plant a wheat variety test plot, and learn about herbicides and fertilizers. Agronomy and field crops gives 4-H members the opportunity to learn about one of Kansas’ most valuable industries - agriculture - and what it takes to feed the world.
Entomology
Have you chased butterflies or caught a ladybug to get a closer look? Do you think collecting bugs is a great way to spend your time? Then the 4-H Entomology project is right up your alley. Youth will learn about the world of insects in soil, on plants, in homes, on pets and other secret places.
Forestry
Learn to identify trees, determine differences between trees and shrubs, learn about different trees and tree parts, graft a bud to a living tree, discover health benefits of trees, investigate forest changes and learn about forest health and learn forest conservation techniques.
Horticulture & Landscape Design
Learn when, where and what to plant; learn the difference between cool and warm-season vegetables; learn plant parts and how they are used; learn how to use basic garden tools; study seed varieties and starting seeds indoors; study preventative pest controls; learn about specialty harvests and selling your produce; study plant pollinations; study food industry careers; and learn about biotechnology.