A self-determined 4-H project in healthy living allows the youth to create a unique project based on their interest areas. These projects allow youth to decide:
- What you want to learn
- What you want to do, and
- How you want to share what you learn.
Create your project
adapted from Iowa State University Extension’s guide for self-determined 4-H projects.
STEP 1: Define your topic. What do you want to learn about or learn how to do?
- “I would like to learn about…”
- “I would like to learn to…”
STEP 2: Gather the information you will need by deciding where to get your information or references from. If you are finding your references online or from books and manuals, make a list so you can refer to them later if you need to check facts or go back for more information. Check to see if your sources are reliable–who wrote the information, and are they an authority on this subject? You can learn a little about the organization publishing an online source by looking at its web address.
- An educational institution, such as a college, university, or school, will have a website that ends in “.edu”
- Websites run or funded by government agencies, such as NASA or the US Department of Agriculture, will end in “.gov”
- Professional organizations, scientific and research societies, and nonprofit organizations will have websites identified by “.org”
Remember that 4-H projects should be backed by research based information, so try to find websites and books that list their sources!
STEP 3: Decide what you will do with this information and create an action plan. What are you going to do with the information you collect? Are you going to present a poster, create a project for the fair or community display, or are you going to share it a different way? Set a deadline for the steps in your plan.
STEP 4: Anticipate challenges and roadblocks. What might you need to do if something gets in the way of completing your project?
STEP 5: Record the steps you take for your project and the materials you need or use.
STEP 6: Evaluate your process. Did you reach your goal within your timeline and by your deadline? Why or why not? What worked best, what didn’t work, and what did you learn from the process?
STEP 7: Share your project and what you’ve learned!
STEP 8: Celebrate!
Helpful Resources
For youth members
EM2956E – Make Up Your Own Mind
A self-determined project allows you to plan what you want to do and learn in 4-H, regardless of the subject. By reading this guide, you’ll save effort and time planning your project.
For adult helpers and club leaders
EM2957E – Self-Determined Projects–4-H Leader Guide
A guide for leaders to help 4-H members set up and complete independent projects. Includes principles of learning.