Indiana 4-H Electric Program

Division I Project Page (click link for project page)

Division I introduces students to the concepts of series and parallel circuits, voltage, current, insulators, conductors, and electro-magnetism. It explores the use of switches, lamps, electrical wires, and solder to form useful electrical circuits and gives the student the knowledge of how to troubleshoot basic circuit failures.

Students gain practical experience in the art of soldering of wires and terminals and in the use of electrical hand-tools.

Division II Project Page (click link for project page)

Division II introduces students to the principles behind how magnetism is used to produce electricity and how electricity can be used to produce magnetism. Students learn about ferrous and non-ferrous metals, permanent magnets and electro-magnets, magnetic fields, generators and motors, and the electrical components used to convert 'Alternating" voltage and current to "Direct" voltage and current.

The circuit board assembly part of the Shake Light Project gives students the opportunity to learn to interpret schematic and assembly drawings and to improve their mechanical assembly and electrical soldering skills.

Division III Project Page (click link for project page)

Division III introduces youth to the basic issues associated with Alternating Current (AC). Areas covered include: terminology such as voltage, alternating current, circuit, insulation, conductors, resistance, voltage drop and Ohm’s Law; proper grounding - explaining the difference between the grounded and grounding wires; different types of flexible cords; factors in selecting a cord; types of connector bodies and plugs, electrical cord safety, and safety rating organizations such Underwriters Laboratories and the Canadian Standards Association.

Division IV Project Page (click link for project page)

Division IV introduces youth concepts associated with proper lighting. Youth will learn:

1) Why light is important to us. 2) The difference between direct and reflected glare. 3) How contrast affects our ability to see and work. 4) The affect shadows have on your ability to see. 5) How the color of walls, ceilings and the floor in a room affect your ability to see. 6) The difference between general and task lighting and when to use each. 7) About the different types of fuses and circuit breakers. 8) About Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters, why one should be used, and when to use it. 9) How to make a house lamp.

Division V Project Page (click link for project page)

Division V (advanced) introduces youth to more advanced electrical and electronics concepts such as heating/cooling, home wiring, robotics, energy management, electronics, motors/generators, controls, and 4-way switching.

Purpose of the 4-H Electric Program:

Look around you and no matter which direction you turn you will see electricity at work! It might be a clock on the wall, the TV airing your favorite show, the microwave preparing your dinner or your family car that gets you to and from sporting events. It’s hard to imagine a world without electricity!

Understanding the phenomenon that we have come to know as electricity and electronics is an important life skill. The 4-H electric program helps youth understand this phenomenon through hands-on learning experiences. It provides them with an opportunity to develop project skills (electrical principles, safety with/around electricity, electrical wiring skills), and life skills (decision-making, using science and technology, communication skills). These fun-filled, hands-on learning experiences are provided under the direction of caring adults.

How youth interact to learn about electricity and electronics varies. Youth may be involved in the 4-H electricity/electronics program or they may be utilizing the curriculum as part of their formal educational system. Numerous schools have found the 4-H electricity/electronics curriculum to be an excellent science-based curriculum. To learn more about how the 4-H electric curriculum may be used in a school-setting, click the link below.

Using the Electric Curriculum in the Classroom