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.

Babysittingby LuAnn Duncan, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension; and Kara Newby, Program Coordinator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension

“I love babies!” “Toddlers are so cute!” “I take care of my younger sister all the time.” If you think you might want to be an elementary school teacher, if you love working

with children and if you are looking for a flexible part-time job, babysitting may be right for you. Read below to explore what you need to know to be a great babysitter and to learn how the business of babysitting can work for you.

You may think that babysitting is not a big deal. However, as a babysitter you take care of some very special people. You have a lot of responsibility! This is an important job, not just an occasion to play with kids. The parent who hires you is your boss, and he or she has high expectations, including wanting things done a certain way. A good babysitter knows how to keep children safe, how to play with children and how to deal with the unexpected.

Babysitting Basics

Keeping children safe is a babysitter’s most important responsibility. You have to protect the children you are babysitting from obvious hazards like fire, traffic and water, but also from less obvious ones like food allergies and choking hazards. You must be especially aware of a child’s toys. Toys with small parts need to be kept away from toddlers who might put them in their mouths. Even the small eyes and noses on stuffed animals and dolls, especially those that are homemade, can be chewed off and

swallowed. This is only one aspect of safety with children. To be fully informed and prepared, take a first aid class or become CPR-certified.

Another aspect of babysitting success is understanding that children act differently and need different things at various ages and stages. For example, a toddler who is potty training has to be encouraged to use the bathroom. A 7-year-old child may want you to join her in an imaginary game. Reading and learning about child development helps you choose toys, games and playtime activities that fit the child’s age and likes. If you arrive ready to play and have ideas for new, age-appropriate games, the children will enjoy their time with you and want you to come back. You will have a good time too!

Even with good planning, unexpected challenges arise. How can you help when children fight? What if someone comes to the door or calls while you are babysitting? What will you do if a child becomes ill

PROJECT IDEA STARTER

4-H 365.17

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION

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or is injured? Thinking beforehand about possible problems can help you deal with them in a calm, clearheaded and responsible way.

Before You Take the Job

Before you agree to babysit, find out the number and ages of the children. Don’t hesitate to ask lots of questions, especially if you are uncertain or uncomfortable about something. Are there any limits on snacks for the children? Is it all right to watch TV or use the computer? What is the bedtime routine? Who can be contacted in case of emergency? (It is smart to memorize the exact address of the house too.) Oftentimes, parents may ask you to do special tasks such as washing dishes or straightening up. Talk about transportation too. How will you get to and from the job?

If you are going to get paid for babysitting, determine your rate of pay. You might be uncomfortable at first, but speaking up before you babysit is important. In fact, the parents you work for will appreciate it. Ask around about babysitting rates in your area. It is all right to be flexible too, with different rates depending on the number of children, time of day, extra work, etc.

Your personal safety is also a consideration. Do you and your parents know the families you are serving? Can one of your parents be contacted when you are babysitting, just in case you need some friendly advice? What should you do if the parents of the children you are babysitting are much later than the agreed upon time? If you are walking home, is it safe to walk alone?

The Business of Babysitting

You also may decide to develop your babysitting into regular part-time work. Treating your babysitting jobs as a business may result in more referrals to other families and increase the number of calls you get. You can make it fun. Produce a flyer and business cards, keep notes about your clients, and record your earnings. Before too long, your professional mindset will have you thinking about how to make the service you provide even more valuable. With this project, you can have fun earning money while learning useful lessons for the future.

AREAS OF INTEREST AND THINGS TO DO

Every 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.

Safety ☐ Take a Safe Sitter, Red Cross or

other babysitting course.

☐ Take a CPR or first aid course.

☐ Create a list of emergency phone numbers, including the fire department, police and poison control. If possible, find out the name and phone number of a neighbor.

☐ Make a list of general questions to answer before every babysitting job, such as household rules, special diet restrictions, the child’s likes and dislikes, etc.

☐ Develop your own babysitting safety checklist.

Activities ☐ Create activities you can do

with children of different ages.

☐ Buy small or travel games at yard sales to take with you on babysitting jobs.

☐ Learn card games that children enjoy.

☐ Find simple crafts that kids of different ages can do and gather all necessary materials.

☐ Look for simple recipes that kids would enjoy making, such as play dough or chocolate chip cookies.

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ohio4h.org/selfdetermined

10/2018

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.

☐ Put together a collection of your favorite childhood books to bring along.

Make It a Business ☐ Make a flyer to advertise your

babysitting business.

☐ Talk to other babysitters and parents in your area to determine how much to charge for babysitting.

☐ Make business cards to give to interested parents or to parents to keep handy.

☐ Create a flyer and distribute it among your acquaintances.

☐ Create an online calendar (such as Google calendar) and invite parents of children you often babysit to see when you are available.

Learn More about Children ☐ Read and learn more about

children at different ages and stages.

☐ Learn when children begin to crawl, pull up on tables, start to walk, etc.

☐ Learn about language development at different ages.

☐ Learn more about what children should and can eat at different ages.

☐ Develop a plan for discipline, such as timeout or asking a child to go to bed early.

RELATED RESOURCESBabysitting: The Basics, kidshealth.org/en/teens/babysit.html

Safe Sitter, Safesitter.org

University of Illinois Extension: A Guide to the Business of Babysitting, urbanext.illinois.edu/babysitting

The American Red Cross, redcross.org

For Project Helpers:

I Have What It Takes To Be Your Babysitter!, 4-hmilitarypartnerships.org/educator-staff/resources/curriculum/youth_babysitter.html