Explore ecosystems and wildlife in a forest or your own backyard and learn how you can be a good steward.
What can you do?
In the environmental science project, you can:
- Learn about environmental challenges, such as climate change, pollution, erosion, etc.
- Keep a phenology journal to track environmental changes throughout a season.
- Create a vlog detailing hiking, camping, paddling, backyard and other adventures.
- Collect wildflowers growing near where you live.
These are just some of the many ways you can participate in this project.
Project information
Get started with 4-H'ers in your area
- Contact your local 4-H office for more info.
Get started on your own
- Begin your project learning with the environmental science project resource guide.
- Reflect on your project and what you've learned using 4-H record keeping.
Learn how to take care of your environment
- Take the Plastics Sculpture Challenge
- Establish and maintain a prairie garden
- Structures for backyard composting
- Backyard composting
Project opportunities near you
Get in touch with your local 4-H office to learn about environmental science project events and activities in your area.
Interested in getting involved as an environmental science project volunteer?
Contact your local 4-H office or learn more about volunteering in 4-H.
Resources for supporting youth in environmental science
- Environment and earth science curricula in the youth development curriculum library
- National 4-H natural resources and environmental education curricula
Fair information
What does it mean to show at the fair?
For 4-H'ers, local and state showcase events (like the Minnesota State Fair) are not just fun events. They provide youth opportunities to exhibit the knowledge and skills they've gained throughout the year– and to continue their learning.
Contact your local 4-H office for environmental science project project showcase opportunities near you.
Exhibit ideas and judging criteria
Get exhibit ideas and find out what the judge is looking for in the evaluation sheet (Google Doc).
Reviewed in 2023