OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION

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365 Self-Determined Project

Member determines and designs own project or uses one of these idea starters:

365.01 Astronomy 365.02 Model Railroading 365.03 Weather 365.04 Clowning 365.05 Rocks, Minerals, and Fossils 365.06 American Sign Language 365.07 Computers 365.08 Discovering Genetics 365.09 Canoeing 365.10 Local Foods: Does It Matter What You Eat? 365.11 Camp Counseling 365.12 Miniature Gardens 365.13 Reptiles and Amphibians 365.14 Climate Change 365.16 Viruses, Bacteria, and Fungi, Oh My! (Plant Pathology) 365.17 Babysitting 365.18 Ways of Knowing Water 365.19 The Work World is Calling . . . Are You Ready? 365.21 Skateboarding 365.22 Pigeons 365.23 Native American Artifacts: Arrowheads 365.24 Shale Gas Extraction 365.25 Flower Gardening 365.26 Hedgehogs 365.27 Ferrets 365.28 Chinchillas 365.29 Field to Faucet: What Determines Water Quality

1. Complete all project guidelines as listed in the Self-Determined Project Guide. (see next 5 pages)

2. Neatly create an educational exhibit and/or a poster illustrating and describing some aspect of your project. Yourname and club name need to be visible on the front of the display.

3. Bring to Interview Judging:a. Any accumulated materials needed for project.b. Completed Self-Determined Project Guide #365.

c. Project records. Include pictures, examples of items made, price list, or other records to illustrate what youhave learned.

d. Educational exhibit or poster.e. Know the 4-H Pledge, 4-H Motto, and 4-H Colors.

4. Exhibit at the fair:a. The educational exhibit or poster from Interview Judging. (Project book does not qualify as an exhibit.)

Revised December 2017

Self-Determined Project Guide

by Bob Horton and Kathy Cox, Extension Specialists, 4-H Youth Development

Project BackgroundA 4-H Self-Determined Project is an opportunity for members to go beyond the scope of their current project or to explore a topic that is unavailable as a project book. Self-Determined Projects on the same topic may be repeated if new areas of interest, learning experiences and leadership/citizenship activities are selected.

Not sure what topic to explore? You can get some great ideas by reviewing the Idea Starters available online at ohio4h.org/selfdetermined.

Project Guidelines1. Identify a possible topic for your project.

2. Complete the Planning Your Adventure section (Steps 1 through 3) of this guide by discussing andresearching your topic, by planning and completing at least two learning experiences, and by planning andcompleting at least two leadership/citizenship activities.

3. Complete the Conducting Your Adventure section by identifying and completing three areas of interest andthree activities within each area.

4. Complete the Reporting Your Adventure section of this guide.

Name: ______________________________________________________________________________

Age (as of January 1 of the current year): _________ County: _________________________________

Club name: __________________________________Advsior: ________________________________

Topic you’ve chosen to explore: __________________________________________________________

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4-H 365

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION

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PLANNING YOUR ADVENTURE

Step 1. Let’s Begin (Check off what you plan to do.) ☐ Discuss your ideas with family, friends, and of course, your project helper.

☐ Check books about your topic at the library before you begin.

☐ Visit websites that provide more information about your topic.

☐ Check your county’s project guidelines (if any) for additional requirements, especially if you choose to participate in county project judging or prepare an exhibit for the fair.

Step 2. Learning Experiences

Choose at least two learning experiences from the list below (or create your own). Write them in the table below. Record your progress by asking your project helper to initial next to the date each one is completed. You may add to or change these activities at any time.

• Attend a clinic, workshop, demonstration or speech on a topic related to your project.

• Prepare a public service announcement for school, radio, television or the Internet on a topic related to your project.

• Help organize a club activity on this project.

• Prepare your own demonstration, illustrated talk or exhibit.

• Participate in county judging.

Learning ExperienceDate

CompletedProject Helper

Initials

(Example) Demonstration: Showed different sizes of model railroad cars to club members.

7/15/YR BH

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Step 3. Leadership/Citizenship Activities

Choose at least two leadership/citizenship activities from the list below (or create your own). Write them in the table below. Record your progress by asking your project helper to initial next to the date each one is completed. You may add to or change these activities at any time.

• Assist in setting up and/or cleaning up for a show or event.

• Help someone with his or her project.

• Help organize a workshop or show in your community.

• Encourage a friend to join 4-H and take a project.

• Teach someone something that you learned about 4-H or about your topic.

• Invite someone to talk to your club about your topic.

• Give advice to a member who is a preparing a project for the fair.

• Prepare and exhibit a display promoting your topic or 4-H.

Leadership/Citizenship ActivityDate

CompletedProject Helper

Initials

(Example) Helped younger members set up a model railroad. 8/11/YR BH

CONDUCTING YOUR ADVENTUREEvery self-determined project is broken down into areas of interest. These are the specific things you wish to explore during your project adventure. In the space provided on the next page, identify at least three areas of interest with at least three activities per area.

If you are using an Idea Starter, you will find suggested areas of interest and things to do there.

Ask your project helper to initial next to the date each one is completed.

(Example) My first area of interest is to plan a layout.

Activity 1: Locate a reference book on model railroading to use during the project.

Activity 2: Create a track plan for a model railroad.

Activity 3: Identify a knowledgeable person who is willing to help.

Activity 4: Talk with parents about where to put a layout.

Date completed: 4/18/YR Project helper initials: BH

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CONDUCTING YOUR ADVENTURE (CONTINUED)

My first area of interest is to ________________________________________________________________

Activity 1: _______________________________________________________________________________

Activity 2: ______________________________________________________________________________

Activity 3: ______________________________________________________________________________

Activity 4: ______________________________________________________________________________

Date completed: ____________________________ Project helper initials: __________________________

My first area of interest is to ________________________________________________________________

Activity 1: _______________________________________________________________________________

Activity 2: ______________________________________________________________________________

Activity 3: ______________________________________________________________________________

Activity 4: ______________________________________________________________________________

Date completed: ____________________________ Project helper initials: __________________________

My first area of interest is to ________________________________________________________________

Activity 1: _______________________________________________________________________________

Activity 2: ______________________________________________________________________________

Activity 3: ______________________________________________________________________________

Activity 4: ______________________________________________________________________________

Date completed: ____________________________ Project helper initials: __________________________

My first area of interest is to ________________________________________________________________

Activity 1: _______________________________________________________________________________

Activity 2: ______________________________________________________________________________

Activity 3: ______________________________________________________________________________

Activity 4: ______________________________________________________________________________

Date completed: ____________________________ Project helper initials: __________________________

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Ohio State University Extension embraces human diversity and is committed to ensuring that all research and related educational programs are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. This statement is in accordance with United States Civil Rights Laws and the USDA.

Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Agricultural Administration; Associate Dean, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences; Director, Ohio State University Extension; and Gist Chair in Extension Education and Leadership.

For Deaf and Hard of Hearing, please contact Ohio State University Extension using your preferred communication (email, relay services, or video relay services). Phone 1-800-750-0750 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST Monday through Friday. Inform the operator to dial 614-292-6181.

Copyright © 2015, The Ohio State University

ohio4h.org/selfdetermined

REPORTING YOUR ADVENTUREIn the space below, summarize what you did and learned. Then arrange for a project review with your project helper, who should review this completed project guide with you. Such evaluations help you assess what you learned and how you grew as a 4-H member. Members who take part in this level of evaluation may receive special membership and project achievement awards such as ribbons, pins and certificates.

In addition, you may want to take part in county project judging. This level of evaluation determines how well you did on your project by assigning a project grade. You may also want to represent your county at the Ohio State Fair. For more information, contact your local Ohio State University Extension office or visit our website at ohio4h.org/selfdetermined.

Your Summary

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PLAN YOUR PROJECTUse this idea starter AND publication 4-H 365 Self-Determined Project Guide as the starting place for your 4-H self-determined project. The Self-Determined Project Guide is available from your county OSU Extension office or on the Web at ohio4h.org/selfdetermined. You may choose to do a little or a lot depending on your level of interest. Be sure to register your project with your county OSU Extension office.

Reptiles and Amphibiansby Jim Frasure, Educational Consultant and Franklin County 4-H Advisor; and Marianne Riggenbach, Portage County 4-H Reptile Show Chair and Club Advisor

There are more than 8,000 species of reptiles in the world, inhabiting every continent except Antarctica. Reptiles are air-breathing, cold-blooded animals with backbones. Scientists group reptiles into four orders: turtles and tortoises (order Testudinata); crocodiles and alligators (order Crocodilia); tuataras (order

Rhynchocephalia); and snakes, lizards and amphisbaenians or “worm lizards” (order Squamata). The Squamata order is divided into three suborders: snakes (Serpentes), lizards (Sauria) and amphisbaenians (Amphisbaenia).

The name amphibian comes from the Greek word amphibios, which means “living a double life.” Most amphibians start out as larvae in water and end up on land. Amphibians consist of three orders: salamanders and newts (order Caudata); frogs and toads (order Anura); and caecilians (order Gymnophiona). Herpetology is the branch of zoology that studies both amphibians and reptiles.

All reptiles and amphibians are ectothermic, which means they do not produce internal body heat but rely on their surrounding environment to keep warm. Understanding this fact makes caring for your pet both fun and challenging. It is not like caring for a cat or dog, but it can be equally rewarding.

Before adopting a reptile or amphibian, it is important to learn all you can about its required care and feeding, and how to design a habitat that mimics its natural environment. Other things to consider include its adult size, temperament and proper handling.

Reptiles and amphibians such as bearded dragons, leopard geckos, corn snakes, king snakes, african spur thigh tortoises, russian tortoises, painted turtles and sliders are among those that make good pets for the first-time owner.

Remember to handle your pet properly at all times and to wash your hands afterward to avoid the possible spread of salmonella, a bacterial disease that can be transmitted from reptiles to humans.

PROJECT IDEA STARTER

4-H 365.13

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION

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AREAS OF INTEREST AND THINGS TO DOEvery self-determined 4-H project can be broken down into areas of interest. These are the specific things members want to address during their project adventures. Using 4-H 365 Self-Determined Project Guide, identify at least three areas of interest with at least three activities per area to explore. Take your ideas from the list below or make up your own.

Choosing Your Pet ☐ Research and decide which

reptile or amphibian you want as a pet. Consider total cost, space requirements, adult size, temperament, lifespan and daily care needs.

☐ List at least five reptiles and amphibians that you would consider and five or more of their traits in your journal.

☐ Identify three reptiles and/or amphibians that typically have a docile temperament throughout their lifespan, and list three or more of their traits in your journal.

☐ Identify three reptiles and/or amphibians that are naturally aggressive when reaching maturity, and list three or more of their traits in your journal.

☐ Research the pros and cons of owning wild-caught (farm-raised or captive-hatched) reptiles, and make an informed decision before owning one.

☐ Identify a yearly lifespan action plan for the animal that you have chosen for your project.

☐ Purchase your reptile or amphibian from a reputable breeder. A local breeder can show you your pet’s parents and give you specific care information.

Proper Habitat ☐ Discuss different types of

enclosures and the proper size and habitat (with hiding spots) needed.

☐ Determine the heat, lighting, humidity and water needs for your pet.

☐ Set up a habitat suitable for your new pet’s home. Note: Aquariums are not always the best home for all reptiles.

☐ Bring the pet home, or if you already have the animal, give it a special treat (food or habitat addition).

☐ Take a photograph of your pet’s home. Be prepared to discuss what is in the picture and why the habitat is right for your pet.

Care and Feeding ☐ Identify how your reptile or

amphibian finds, captures and swallows food.

☐ Learn what to feed your pet and how often.

☐ Read a reference book on reptile and amphibian care.

☐ Does your animal shed? If so, how?

☐ Record in your journal the chores involved with keeping a reptile or amphibian.

☐ Clean your pet’s habitat regularly and check that all electrical accessories are working properly.

☐ Record in your journal the amount of money you spend for food, bedding, heat, lighting and so on.

Identifying Reptiles and Amphibians

☐ Attend a local reptile show and identify as many reptiles and amphibians as you can. Journal your conversations with breeders and herpetologists about the animals they keep and why.

☐ Talk with a knowledgeable person (breeder, herpetologist, zookeeper, etc.) and list key points in your journal.

☐ Go on a field trip to discover Ohio’s resident reptiles and amphibians and record your findings in your journal.

☐ Visit your local zoo’s reptile house.

☐ Determine at least five or more characteristics that make reptiles and amphibians different from each other.

☐ Learn how reptiles and amphibians reproduce in captivity.

☐ Visit a website to learn more about reptiles and amphibians.

☐ Visit a website that tells more about what herpetologists do.

Leadership Activities ☐ RAP (Reptile and Amphibian

Project) with Reptiles. Find or make up a song about reptiles or amphibians that encourages others to sing along.

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ohio4h.org/selfdetermined

CFAES provides research and related educational programs to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis. For more information, visit cfaesdiversity.osu.edu. For an accessible format of this publication, visit cfaes.osu.edu/accessibility.

03/2019

☐ Write a poem or short story that tells others about your pet.

☐ Encourage another 4-H member to join you in the reptile and amphibian self-determined project.

☐ Prepare and exhibit a poster on reptiles or amphibians.

☐ Give a demonstration on how to set up a proper habitat for your reptile project.

☐ Serve as an officer for your club.

☐ Make a motion at a club meeting.

Facts and Superstitions ☐ Ask family members or school

friends how they feel about reptiles and amphibians and make notes in your journal. How do they differ?

☐ Find out at least five superstitions about reptiles and amphibians.

☐ Find out at least five facts regarding reptiles and amphibians.

☐ Volunteer at an animal center to help with education of facts and superstitions.

☐ Donate any sum to a conservation group for educating the public about facts and superstitions.

RELATED RESOURCESThe Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, colszoo.com

Herp and Green Iguana Information Collection, anapsid.org

Ohio Department of Natural Resources, ohiodnr.gov

NetVet, netvet.co.uk

Reptiles Magazine, reptilesmagazine.com

Kingsnake.com, the online community for reptile and amphibian hobbyists, kingsnake.com

Northern Ohio Association of Herpetologists, noahonline.info

Smithsonian National Zoological Park, nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/ReptilesAmphibians

Check your local, state and federal laws about owning the animal you have selected. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has regulations about the possession, purchase, sale or trade of reptiles and amphibians native to our state, and requires propagating licensing.