Enhance members learning with 4-H quiz bowls and skill-a-thons
Several animal science quiz bowls and skill-a-thons are held throughout the year and are a great way to teach youth about animal science.
That unmistakable sound of a quiz bowl buzzer is hard to forget, and so is the intensity in the eyes of participants in a skill-a-thon competition. It is also hard to forget the life skills and content knowledge that participating in quiz bowls and skill-a-thons offer youth.
Participants work diligently to study content material that pertains to their species so they can demonstrate what they have learned by quickly answering questions, solving problems and completing specific tasks during competitions. In preparing, youth also practice several life skills such as time management, working with others, managing their feelings and setting goals.
Program evaluations at Purdue University, published in the Journal of Extension of the Purdue University Animal Sciences Workshop for Youth, yielded positive results in combining quiz bowls and skill-a-thons to increase youth’s learning. They found that 94 percent of participants found the workshop to be a positive learning experience; 85 percent learned information that would help them better manage their 4-H animal projects; and 91 percent reported enhancing their communication and teamwork skills.
Michigan 4-H offers several opportunities for youth to participate in skill-a-thons and quiz bowls on a statewide basis in various species. Here are a few opportunities in 2016 – please note that some event’s information may not be available at this time:
- Michigan 4-H Goat Expo – April 16, 2016
- Michigan 4-H Rabbit and Cavy Expo – June 11, 2016
- Michigan 4-H Poultry Expo – Fall 2016 (date to be announced later; check Michigan State University Extension’s Poultry Events for updates).
Each of these events offers individual and team competitions, including skill-a-thons and quiz bowls. For information on these and other events, please contact your local MSU Extension office.