4-H Delivers

Service Learning and Our World

The Issue:
The most effective learning involves practical application, hands-on experiences, and relevance to the learner. To take this concept a step further, it is also believed that the highest form of learning occurs when the individual teaches the knowledge to others. However, due to various restraints, this type of learning is rare in current academic settings. In response to this learning deficit, the declining environmental state and the decreased value of community service in youth development, Sacramento County began a service learning project.

What has 4-H Done?:
Through the help of funding from a Dean Memorial Legacy Award, 4-H club members from the heart of Sacramento, ranging in ages from 8 to 15, participated in the Service Learning Our World Project. Members were first introduced to the science involved with sustaining the sensitive environment through the theme of water. Youth participants explored the difference between chemical and physical pollution and the difference between chemical and biological indicators. Field experiences included touring of wetlands and testing water parameters at a local park. Multiple academic concepts and skills such as buoyancy, density, displacement, metric measurement and conversions, carbon cycle, phosphate cycle, pH, toxicity levels, necropsy, ocean currents, erosion, and sedimentation were addressed.  Rafts and toy boats were designed and built from recyclables to help aid in the learning process. Members also learned that many small environmental conditions can join together to create a larger one, and they were able to teach others about this concept through the hosting of an environmental mystery for the public.  The mystery involved finding the cause behind a large fish die-off near a fictitious city by analyzing a map, timeline, and data from eight science stations. Members also exhibited related science projects the Sacramento County Fair. 

The Payoff:
4-H members not only gained direct science knowledge and experiences, but they also learned the value of educating the public as a form of service. More than 50 participants completed all eight of the environmental detective stations at the field event. Throughout the day, even more bystanders at the park that day saw 4-H as more than the stereotypical perceptions of being only rural and animal focused. Through the environmental mystery scenario, both project members and the participating public saw how environmental factors can be synchronous and part of a complex web of results. Learning that small actions can lead to a larger result is a priceless piece of knowledge, especially when it comes to environmental protection. There is no doubt that this project has been just the beginning of service these members will contribute toward our world.