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Display Projects:
A-D

Aerospace & Rocketry

Explore, learn and share the basics of model rocketry

Aerospace & Rocketry display projects must use the Display Exhibit - Entry Form​

Aerospace & Rocketry explores space technology and how it relates to life on Earth. Youth can learn and understand scientific principles. In Aerospace & Rocketry, youth can build and launch a rocket, design an airplane or fly a hot-air balloon. Learn about aerospace engineering by doing hands-on activities like these and more.

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To learn more about display lots you can exhibit in check out the SDSU Extension State Fair Book

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Beginner 

  • Learn the basics of model rocketry

  • Learn about the different types of aircraft

  • Learn how weather affects flying conditions

  • Learn about space and the planets

  • Build a rocket from a kit

  • Construct a rocket and launch at your club meeting

  • Build and fly a kite

  • Make a display showing different stages in rocket flight

  • Make a poster or display on what you learned about Aerospace & Rocketry

Junior

  • Explore how model rockets work

  • Learn about the forces that act upon a rocket

  • Explain safety techniques around rockets

  • Explore more about the science of space, astronomy atmosphere

  • Build a rocket from your own design

  • Construct a rocket and launch a level 2 rocket

  • Construct and launch a water rocket

  • Design, build and test a hot air balloon

Senior

  • Teach/assist younger members with the Aerospace & Rocketry area

  • Learn about rocket/aircraft engines

  • Conduct an Aerospace & Rocketry workshop for younger members

  • Learn about pilot certification requirements

  • Build a skill level 3 rocket

  • Create your own rocket, kite, airplane/glider or hot air balloon

  • Give an illustrated talk about rockets

  • Make a poster or display on what you learned about Aerospace & Rocketry

Automotive, Small & Tractor Engines

Explore, learn and share the basics of Automotive, Small & Tractor Engines

Automotive, Small & Tractor Engines display projects must use the Display Exhibit - Entry Form​

Automotive, Small & Tractor Engines explores the parts, functions, disassembly, assembly, servicing, adjustment and repair of engines. Youth can gain knowledge of internal combustion engines, their parts, functions and proper adjustments. In Automotive, Small & Tractor Engines, youth develop an understanding of the production, selection, use and handling of fuels and lubricants. 

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To learn more about display lots you can exhibit in check out the SDSU Extension State Fair Book

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Beginner 

  • Learn how to operate machines safely

  • Identify the parts of an engine

  • Learn to perform engine maintenance on spark plugs, air cleaners and carburetors

  • Learn about different engine tools and identify them

  • Start an engine

  • Make a poster identifying and explaining the basic differences between engine types

  • Practice assembling and disassembling an engine

  • Give a club presentation on observing safety practices when operating or being near engines

Junior

  • Learn the functions and proper use of machines

  • Classify engine types

  • Identify internal engine parts

  • Learn to season an engine

  • Test the compression of an engine and understand compression ratios

  • Give an illustrated talk on what oil is, the function it performs and what viscosity is

  • Clean a carburetor and gain knowledge of carburation

  • Create a display comparing a 2-stroke and 4-stroke engine

Senior

  • Learn to apply skills in machine maintenance

  • Identify engines by sound

  • Learn to assemble and tear down an engine

  • Understand laws and regulations associated with engines

  • Identify and use diagnostic tools

  • Rebuild an entire engine

  • Make a display on how to adjust the ignition

  • Host a workshop on basics and safety around engines and assist younger members in the project area

Beef

Explore, learn and share the basics of beef cattle

Beef display projects must use the Display Exhibit - Entry Form​

The Beef project allows youth to develop knowledge concerning beef breeds, production, selection, grooming, and management. Youth will gain a clear understanding and appreciation of the beef industry, its role in agriculture and economy.

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Learn more about live animal Beef Project here!

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To learn more about display lots you can exhibit in check out the SDSU Extension State Fair Book

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Beginner 

  • Learn the different beef breeds

  • Understand and learn the proper nutritional needs of beef cattle

  • Learn and locate the anatomical parts and primal meat cuts of beef cattle

  • Learn about beef products and by-products

  • Study pictures and memorize the different breeds

  • Make a poster about the parts/primal meat cuts of beef cattle

  • Create a first aid kit for your cattle

  • Give a club talk on a beef cattle related topic

Junior

  • Explore and study the digestive tract of beef cattle

  • Learn appropriate beef handling techniques 

  • Identify common external parasites and other health issues

  • Learn and understand the different medications, drug labels and injection triangle

  • Give a demonstration on administrating vaccinations/medications 

  • Beef promotion during May Beef Month

  • Compete in judging contests and skill-a-thons

  • Make a display on the digestive tract and their functions

Senior

  • Create and balance a feed ration

  • Learn about breeding selection, practices and how traits are passed on

  • Study the different trends in beef throughout the years and changes in beef production

  • Learn about beef processing steps

  • Help younger members with beef judging and skill-a-thon

  • Study issues facing the beef industry and give a speech to promote beef

  • Make a display on how beef traits are passed on 

  • Make a feed bunk to exhibit and use

Bicycle

Explore, learn and share about the Bicycle project

Bicycle display projects must use the Display Exhibit - Entry Form​

Youth will gain awareness of the beneficial health and recreational values of cycling, and learn the fundamental rules of safety and enjoyable bicycle riding. The bicycle project shows members how to enjoy safe "fun on wheels" for convenient travel, good exercise and pleasant recreation and how to maintain a bicycle.

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To learn more about display lots you can exhibit in check out the SDSU Extension State Fair Book

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Beginner 

  • Learn about bicycles and bicycle safety

  • Learn the history of bicycles

  • Identify bicycle parts and make a poster labeling them

  • Learn how to identify traffic signs and understand what they mean

  • Give a club demonstration on the proper care and/or safety procedures of a bicycle

  • Make a display of bicycle riders' hand signals and various traffic signs

  • Compare the various type of bicycles

Junior

  • Learn care and maintenance of your bicycle

  • Identify the tools required to properly repair and maintain each bicycle part

  • Learn about the health benefits of bicycling and give an illustrated talk

  • Locate and identify cycling hazards

  • Practice riding safely under a variety of conditions

  • Demonstrate care in cleaning, lubricating and changing a bike chain

  • Understand wheel and spoke alignment and give a club demonstration

Senior

  • Learn to utilize your cycling skills

  • Perform a full bicycle tune-up

  • Plan short and long bike trips

  • Learn how to replace a broken or bent spoke

  • Make a model of a safety course used with younger children

  • Give a demonstration on things you will need for long distance bike trips and how to carry them on the bikes

  • Invite a local police officer or traffic safely expert to speak

  • Ride safely in traffic and at night

Character Education

Explore, learn and share about the Character Education project

Character education display projects must use the Display Exhibit - Entry Form​

Youth will learn the process of learning common attitudes, beliefs and behaviors that are important to become responsible citizens. Character education can provide ground rules for life for young people, and it stresses the importance of helping children learn and practice behaviors that reflect universal ethical values.

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To learn more about display lots you can exhibit in check out the SDSU Extension State Fair Book

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Trustworthiness

Be honest. 

Have integrity. 

Keep your promises.

Be loyal.

6 Pillars of Character Education

Respect

Be accepting of differences.

Be courteous to others.

Deal peacefully with conflicts.

Be considerate of others' feelings.

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Responsibility

Do what you are supposed to do.

Be self-disciplined.

Think before you act.

Be accountable for your words, actions, and attitudes.

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Fairness

Play by the rules.

Take turns and share.

Be open-minded. Listen to others.

Don't take advantage of others.

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Caring

Be kind and forgive others.

Be compassionate.

Express gratitude.

Be considerate of others' feelings.

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Citizenship

Do your share to make your home, school, and community better.

Be a good neighbor.

Make choices that protect the safety and rights of others.

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Beginner 

  • Learn about six pillars of character

  • Practice good behavior and set a character goal for yourself

  • Participate in community service projects

  • Make a poster on the six pillars

Junior

  • Offer ideas to others on how to show good character

  • Give talk on the character traits and how you display them

  • Identify service projects or improvements your community needs

  • Start a journal tracking your character traits

Senior

  • Teach and show character traits to younger members

  • Volunteer to assist your 4-H advisor with activities

  • Plan community service or events for your club

  • Become a role model for younger members

Child Development

Explore, learn and share about the Child Development project

Child development display projects must use the Display Exhibit - Entry Form​

Youth will gain knowledge about the physical, social, emotional and mental development of a child. Also, learn how children change as they develop by playing with them, watching them, listening to them and reading to them. Youth will learn new skills and to provide them with safe and satisfying experiences, and develop an interest and positive attitude toward younger children.

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To learn more about display lots you can exhibit in check out the SDSU Extension State Fair Book

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Beginner 

  • Learn how to observe a child and safely take care of them

  • Learn about the 4 areas of growth: physical, emotional, mental and social

  • Learn about age-appropriate activities for children

  • Learn about responsibility and self motivation

  • Complete the "Growing on My Own" curriculum and exhibit the activities 

  • Arrange a storage place for a child's toys

  • Make a game/puzzle/toy for children

  • Make a display on selecting a children's toy

  • Create your own children's story, poem or song

Junior

  • Learn the process of a child's language development

  • Learn to plan fun and safe home-alone activities

  • Identify bullying behaviors

  • Discover healthy food choices and plan meals

  • Complete the "Growing With Others" curriculum and the exhibit the activities

  • Attend the American Red Cross babysitter's training course

  • Go shopping for children's and make a comparative study display

  • Choose children's story books and describe how to present to children in a journal

  • Make a children's garment with at least one self-help feature suitable for children under the age of five

Senior

  • Learn what you can do to help a child learn a new skill

  • Learn child guidance and discipline techniques

  • Learn about disabilities that create special needs for children and adults

  • Learn about parenting roles and responsibilities

  • Develop critical thinking skills in response to emergency situations

  • Complete the "Growing in Communities" curriculum and exhibit the activities

  • Create an American Red Cross babysitting first aid kit

  • Make a kit with 5 activities that enhance a child's development

  • Plan a free babysitting night for parents during the holidays or other events

Citizenship

Explore, learn and share about the Citizenship project

Citizenship display projects must use the Display Exhibit - Entry Form​

Youth will develop the life skills necessary for intelligent participation in group and individual decision making, understand the rights and responsibilities of membership within the family, neighborhood, community, state, nation and world. Also, youth will gain an appreciation for family, community, state and national heritage; insight to principles, processes and structures of government and respect for the rights of others through responsible action.

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To learn more about display lots you can exhibit in check out the SDSU Extension State Fair Book

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Beginner 

  • Learn the 4-H pledge and the Pledge of Allegiance and recite them at your club meetings

  • Learn about each of your club officer positions

  • Learn the history of your hometown 

  • Learn how to be a good community citizen

  • Make a poster about the 4 H's       of 4-H

  • Construct a family tree of relatives identifying places lived and vocations

  • Tour city or state's hall, courthouse or capitol

Junior

  • Learn to be an active group member

  • Learn the functions and responsibilities of your community

  • Learn about how to display flags and give a club/county demonstration

  • Learn about local government, government officials names and positions

  • Learn about parliamentary procedure and use it at your next club meeting 

  • Help plan a community service project for your club

  • Run for an officer position in your club

Senior

  • Learn about your state government and how it functions

  • Learn about the 27 Constitution Amendments and make an educational display

  • Observe a city council, county commissioners or other community board meeting

  • Participate in 4-H Day at the State Capitol

  • Attend the Citizenship Washington Focus (CWF) trip

  • Run for a position in the State 4-H Legislature Program 

  • Apply to be a page during your state's legislature

  • Identify a cause important to you and determine how to make a difference

Clothing & Textiles

Explore, learn and share about the Clothing & Textiles project

Clothing & textiles Educational Posters and Displays must use the

Display Exhibit - Entry Form​

Constructed, Selected  and Recycled clothing must use specific entry form 

Found Here

Clothing & Textiles gives members an opportunity to gain new experiences in social roles, economics, textiles creation & design. Youth will build self confidence and poise through developing skills in choosing clothing to make or buy, making the most of one's personal self, the care of clothing and use of the decision making process, using judgement and creativity in planning clothing and accessories.

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To learn more about display lots you can exhibit in check out the SDSU Extension State Fair Book

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Beginner 

  • Discover color and fabric coordination and sewing terminology 

  • Learn to read and select a pattern

  • Learn basic hand sewing skills, recognize basic sewing machine parts and use of a sewing machine

  • Identify fabrics and appropriate use for type of project

  • Sew appropriate seams, straight stitching, and simple machine hem

  • Make a poster labeling the different parts of a sewing machine

  • Buy a new school outfit and enter it in the Selected Clothing display exhibit

  • Repair a tear in an article of clothing

Junior

  • Identify specialized sewing tools

  • Develop your own personal style through clothing and accessories

  • Learn to adjust patterns to body measurement for perfect fit

  • Learn various seam and hem finishes, incorporate sleeves, pockets, darts, interfacing, facings, collars, buttonholes, and zippers

  • Create a display for different types of sewing stitches

  • Study and participate in the Consumer Decision Making Skill-a-thon

  • Construct an outfit for yourself or someone else to wear

  • Collect socks and gloves to donate to nonprofit organizations

Senior

  • Understand the difference between natural and manmade fibers 

  • Learn how to launder and care for a variety of commonly used fabrics

  • Explore the fashion industry and how it works from development to production of garments

  • Learn about fashion trends and fads and give an illustrated talk at the county and state level

  • Practice your modeling skills and compete in fashion revue

  • Design and construct a new article of clothing out of old garment of clothing

  • Understand the usage of different laundry detergents and make an educational display

  • Organize a community service sewing/clothing project

Communications

Explore, learn and share about the Communications project

Communications display exhibits must use the Display Exhibit - Entry Form​

Youth will learn written, oral and visual communication skills. Communications recognizes the need for obtaining pertinent information on a topic, organizing material to be presented and ability to speak confidently in public or group setting.

To learn more about display lots you can exhibit in check out the SDSU Extension State Fair Book

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Beginner 

  • Learn about the basic parts of speech

  • Learn and understand the different types of communication

  • Learn to introduce yourself and confidently introduce yourself to your club

  • Give a club demonstration 

  • Write a Thank You note

Junior

  • Observe a guest speaker or a senior member's presentation

  • Learn about nonverbal communication 

  • Learn about ways to make visual aids to enhance your presentation

  • Write a letter to the editor about the value of 4-H for National 4-H Week

  • Give 2 presentations at your club meetings

Senior

  • Learn American Sign Language and make a display on common sayings

  • Evaluate a younger member's presentation and help them improve

  • Research a topic and prepare a persuasive speech to give at the county level competition

  • Create short videos promoting 4-H to use on social media during National    4-H Week

Community Service

Explore, learn and share about the Community Service project

Community Service display exhibits must use the Display Exhibit - Entry Form​

Youth will learn more about and better understand the community in which they live and the impact it has upon their lives, be able to relate to communities in order to participate effectively in community activities and develop pride in one's community. 

To learn more about display lots you can exhibit in check out the SDSU Extension State Fair Book

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Beginner 

  • Learn how to improve your community

  • Learn and understand what it means to volunteer

  • Pick up litter and dispose of it correctly

  • Participate in club community service projects

Junior

  • Present community service ideas to your club 

  • Give an illustrated talk about community service projects you have completed at the county level

  • Make holiday cards and baskets to hand them out at nursing homes

Senior

  • Organize a community service project

  • Apply to grants to complete community service projects in your community

Companion Animals

Explore, learn and share about the Companion Animal project

Companion Animal Educational Poster & Displays and general display exhibits must use the Display Exhibit - Entry Form​

Companion Animal Pet Ownership exhibit must fill out Ownership and Care of Your Pet Form

Companion Animal project allows 4-H'ers the joy of owning and caring for an animal. Youth will learn the basics of nutrition, care, grooming and handling of pets. 

To learn more about display lots you can exhibit in check out the SDSU Extension State Fair Book

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Beginner 

  • Learn proper care, grooming and feeding of your pet

  • Learn to identify the parts of your pet

  • Give a club demonstration on proper handling and carrying positions of your pet

  • Purchase and use the appropriate grooming equipment and techniques

Junior

  • Learn about exercise plans for your pet and choose the best one

  • Learn about Pet First Aid and create an Emergency Pet Supply Kit for your pet

  • Research and compare the pet foods labels and choose the best one for your pet

  • Collect pet food and other supplies to donate to your local animal shelter

Senior

  • Research about diseases in your pet species and make a display

  • Learn about the benefits of owning pets and give a county presentation

  • Learn about service animals and the trainings they require

  • Organize a "pet day" - where members of your club and their pets visit a nursing home

Computers & Technology

Explore, learn and share about the Computer & Technology project

Computers & Technology Educational Poster & Displays and general display exhibits must use the 

Display Exhibit - Entry Form​

All other Computers & Technology display exhibits must fill out Computer Project Summary Sheet

Youth will understand the impact of computers & technology have on our everyday lives. Youth will be able identify computer components, operating systems, knowledge of building, maintaining and repairing computers. Also, youth will learn how to use computers with other 4-H projects.

To learn more about display lots you can exhibit in check out the SDSU Extension State Fair Book

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Beginner 

  • Learn the basic parts and operations of a computer

  • Learn basic terminology associated with computers

  • Learn how to type computer commands

  • Give a club demonstration on the care of computer hardware and software

  • Create a display labeling different parts of the computers

Junior

  • Learn how to write, run and use a program

  • Learn and practice electronic etiquette

  • Learn and understand different types of servers

  • Learn about the history of computers and create an educational display

  • Create a text based program using any text based language with code demonstrating 4 skills 

Senior

  • Learn about 3-D printing and exhibit a 3-D printed object

  • Learn about building websites

  • Learn about A.I. and give a presentation 

  • Help younger members with their computers & technology project

Conservations & Natural Resources

Explore, learn and share about the Conservations & Natural Resources project

Conservation & Natural Resources display exhibits must use the Display Exhibit - Entry Form​

Youth will understand the connection between living and nonliving things and understand the importance of food, water, shelter and space for all living things. Also, youth will learn about the energy cycle, renewable/nonrenewable energy and how to be good to the environment.

To learn more about display lots you can exhibit in check out the SDSU Extension State Fair Book

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Beginner 

  • Learn about water, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and energy cycles and make a poster on your favorite

  • Learn the methods of soil conversation in South Dakota

  • Discover how plant and animal life depends on a healthy environment

  • Create artwork using natural objects

Junior

  • Learn about environmental issues (acid rain, global climate change & soil erosion, etc.) and find which issues effect your county

  • Learn about your county's wildlife food chain and make an educational display

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Senior

  • Learn about 3-D printing and exhibit a 3-D printed object

  • Learn about building websites

  • Learn about A.I. and give a presentation 

  • Help younger members with their computers & technology project

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