4-H Delivers

Glenn County 4-H Members Learn Science with Microscopes

The Issue

Glenn County has felt the need to introduce 4-H members to science curriculum associated with their projects. Due to the rural nature of Glenn County, many members raise and show animals at the county fair. As follow up to the bio-security project, leaders thought that a study of intestinal parasites would be useful and informative for the members.

What has 4-H Done?

The focus of our SET program this year was a Fecal Testing Program. A set of microscopes was purchased by the neighboring Butte County 4-H program and shared with Glenn County. Several project leaders and members of the BLAST and All Star team were trained in fecal floatation and decided to set up a Fecal Floatation Station at the Glenn County Fair. Several microscopes were set up on tables under a pop-up tent and fecal observation and testing were made available. Any member could bring a fecal sample to the station and test it to see if their project animal tested positive for intestinal parasites. In addition, many school groups tour the fair and each of them had the opportunity to observe prepared slides of intestinal parasites at the Fecal Flotation Station.

The Payoff

Many school groups and 4-H members used the Fecal Floatation Station at the fair and it was observed that not many of the animals tested positive for fecal parasites. The program was a great way to introduce members to the use of microscopes and the practical value of a fecal testing program. It was a great addition to our fair and served as an educational display for the community.

Author: Sue Shuey, Glenn County 4-H volunteer