Enhance members' learning through 4-H educational contests
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EmailSeveral animal science contests, like quiz bowls, judging contests and skill-a-thons, are held throughout the year. These are great ways to teach youth about animal science.
That unmistakable sound of a quiz bowl buzzer is hard to forget, and so is the intensity in the eyes of participants in a skill-a-thon competition or judging contest. It is also hard to forget the life skills and content knowledge that youth gain by participating in these contests.
Participants work diligently to study content material that pertains to their species so they can demonstrate what they have learned by quickly answering questions, solving problems and completing specific tasks during competitions. In preparing, youth also practice several life skills such as time management, working with others, managing their feelings and setting goals.
Program evaluations from 4-H animal science workshops held at Purdue University, as published in the Journal of Extension, yielded positive results in combining quiz bowls and skill-a-thons to increase youth’s learning. They reported that 94% of participants found the workshop to be a positive learning experience; 85% learned information that would help them better manage their 4-H animal projects; and 91% reported enhancing their communication and teamwork skills.
Michigan State University Extension and Michigan 4-H offers several opportunities for youth to participate in skill-a-thons, judging contests, and quiz bowls on a statewide basis in various species. Youth can choose to participate in horse, dairy, meats or livestock judging contests; skill-a-thon-type contests like the dairy management or hippology contests; or the dairy quiz bowl competition – just to name a few.
For the most up-to-date information on 4-H animal science educational contests, please visit the MSU Extension 4-H animal science events calendar. For information on joining a team in your county, please contact your local MSU Extension office.
