Michigan 4-H Youth Development


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4-H Youth Development Michigan State University 160 Agriculture Hall East Lansing, MI 48824-1039 USA Phone: 517-432-7575 Fax: 517-355-6748 Email: msue4h@msu.edu Disclaimer & Indicia

Environmental & Outdoor Education

Now that you've played the games, the fun of learning and trying out new things can really start! Go to the next level by checking out the Do, Reflect Apply activities for the Michigan's Least Wanted Species, Mapping Michigan and Bug Collector online games.Try doing an activity (for example, make an insect collection), then reflect on what you learned in the process. Now think about creative ways you can apply your new learning!

Michigan's Least Wanted Species

About Michigan's Least Wanted Species—Find out more about several “least wanted” plant, animal and insect species that have invaded Michigan’s natural environment.
Help Stop the Emerald Ash Borer in Michigan—Get involved with the effort to wipe out the emerald ash borer insect—an invasive species that is threatening large numbers of ash trees in Michigan. (Adobe PDF)
It's an Invasion!—This card game is a fun way for kids to start to think and learn about how invasive species can crowd out native species and damage their new environments. (Adobe PDF)

Mapping Michigan

About Michigan Resources—Find out more about some of Michigan's many natural resources.
An Exploring Michigan Walk—Take a walk and a totally new look at some of the natural resources that surround you every day! (Adobe PDF)

The Bug Collector

About the Bug Collection—Learn more about the insects in "The Bug Collector" game.
Catch and Release Insect Collecting—Fine-tune your powers of observation. Learn where to find insects and study some of their fascinating habits. (Adobe PDF)
Starting My Insect Collection—Learn where to find and how to collect and display insects in your own insect collection. (Adobe PDF)
Making a Spreading Board for Pinning Insect Wings—Make an inexpensive wing spreading board for preparing winged insects for display in your insect collection. (Adobe PDF)

Other On-Line Learning Games

For more on-line learning fun, visit these sites, too:

DTE Energy Kids Club http://www.dtekids.com – The DTE Energy Kids Club is the fun, digital place for kids to discover the science of energy, the power of creativity, and the importance of safe and responsible energy use.
MI Kids (Michigan State Government Kid's Pages) http://www.michigan.gov/mikids – This site offers a variety of games and activities for kids. The “Our Backyard” page, for example, offers games, activities and information on “dirt, bugs, lakes and more.”
Michigan Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Explorers Club http://www.outdoorexplorersclub.com/flash/OECKids/KidsMain.html – This site includes information for kids about learning and recreation opportunities related to Michigan’s natural environment. It includes online games, a stewardship message, a “wild jokes” page and other virtual outdoor activities for kids.
Nab the Aquatic Invader: Be a Sea Grant Super Sleuth! http://www.sgnis.org/kids/index.html – Major arrests are needed in the fight against invading aquatic plants and animals. These invaders have hitchhiked to U.S. waters and are on the loose creating huge problems. We’re looking for kids in grades 4 to 10 who want to help book these “bad guys” for their disruptive activities. As a Sea Grant detective you'll work to discover which aquatic invasive species (such as the zebra mussel and purple loosestrife) are the culprits!

Contact Information

For more information on how to get involved as a youth or volunteer, contact your county MSU Extension office or:

Judy Ratkos, Program Leader
4-H Youth Development
Michigan State University Extension
160 Agriculture Hall
East Lansing, MI 48824-1039
USA

E-mail: ratkos@msu.edu
Phone: 517-432-7613

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