Urban Birds & Ornithology

Did you know that ravens are known to yank the tails of cats and dogs? Both male and female pigeons feed their young “pigeon milk”? Ringbilled Gulls appear to play by dropping objects in flight and then swooping down to get them? Urban Bird Studies is a set of easy, fun, outdoor projects about birds, developed to promote science literacy in neighborhoods across the continent. Each of the Urban Bird Study projects has been added to the NYS 4-H Resource Directory.

Be sure to also check out the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s All About Birds. The website has been updated and is more topical, interactive and fun. Discover the latest birding news, events, and weekly quizzes. Come read articles of special interest, view photos, and sound files.

4-H PetPALS
People and Animals Linking Successfully

4-H PetPALS is a leader-directed experientially based, intergenerational program linking young people and their pets with senior adults. It utilizes the natural bond between youth and animals to promote positive youth development. Leaders teach youth skills needed to interact with residents in senior healthcare facilities. The youth learn skills to select, socialize, and train their pets to participate as youth – pet teams in animal assisted activities. Youth will expand their capacities in to developing leadership and citizenship skills in an intergenerational environment.

Over the years the demographics of r local rural communities has changed dramatically with an increase in the number of Spanish speaking members. It goes without saying that the integration of people from a completely different culture who speak a completely different language will bring to bear it’s own set of challenges for the community. Youth who are able to understand the differences in the culture and/or speak the language will be at an advantage in leading communities through these challenges. The national 4-H Cooperative Curriculum system has developed an excellent resource for 4-H clubs or school groups to use in teaching about Hispanic culture in a fun and hands on way. . “Que Rico” is packed with hands–on projects that are written in both English and Spanish and teach about Hispanic Culture. Chapters include Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Textile arts and Celebrations.

The Kid’s Guide to Service Projects

This guide has something for everyone who wants to make a difference, form simple projects to large-scale commitments. Kids can choose from a variety of topics including animals, crime fighting, the environment, friendship, hunger, literacy, politics and government, and transportation. A special section gives step-by-step instructions for creating fliers, petitions, press releases, and more.

Links

• NYS 4-H Resource Directory