Extension is expanding its online education and resources to adapt to COVID-19 restrictions.
Youth development curriculum library
Activities to do with youth, professional development for youth workers and more.
Civic engagement and leadership
In this curriculum, youth explore their role as participants in a global society and are prepared to thrive in culturally-diverse settings. It is ideal for youth in grades 6-8, but can be adapted for other age groups. It is also effective as a program model.
In this lesson, youth learn about the dimensions of human identity by using props to build a likeness of Martin Luther King Jr. It is ideal for youth in grades 6-8 and is a sample from WeConnect: A Global Youth Citizenship Curriculum.
In this curriculum, youth develop the belief that college is for them (i.e. they belong) and it is within their reach. Rather than focusing on grades, ACTS, or financing, youth envision and begin to take steps toward making higher education part of their future, including relying on supports, navigating barriers, and reimagining what's possible. Ideal for grades 5 and up.
Environment and earth science
In this lesson, youth identify common bird species found in their backyard by creating a pinecone bird feeder and conducting a wildlife survey. Ideal for grades 2-4.
Family and consumer science
In this curriculum, youth develop an entrepreneurial mindset, focused on using critical thinking skills to solve local and global issues. Ideal for youth in grades 5-9.
Gardening and agriculture
In this curriculum, youth explore their role as global citizens and the exciting field of agriculture as a potential career choice. Designed for youth in grades 3-8.
Healthy living
In this activity, families or groups of friends discuss the impact of ongoing cancellations as a starting point for coping with loss. It can also be used when any life event creates a feeling of loss.
In this lesson, youth create a time capsule workbook about themselves and their feelings, routines, community to look back on how they experienced the COVID-19 pandemic. Ideal for any grade level.
In this activity, youth become more aware of how they spend their time, prioritize which activities to do throughout the day, and make choices about time to support their wellness. Ideal for grade 6 and up.
This resource is for families, clubs, or groups of friends to have open conversations about difficult topics. It provides guidelines for creating a safe space for all to share feelings, thoughts, concerns, and ideas about important topics. It also helps us practice listening to different viewpoints without trying to fix or change them.
In this activity, youth practice expressing, naming and recognizing complex emotions through facial expressions and body language. Ideal for grades K and up.
In this activity, youth to set goals as a tool for regaining structure that can keep them motivated and future-focused. Ideal for grades 3-8.
In this activity, youth create their own fizzy bath bombs as a self-care strategy or a thoughtful gift for someone else. Ideal for grades K-12.
Social and emotional learning (SEL) helps youth to be aware of and manage emotions, work well with others and work hard when faced with challenges. This toolkit includes activities, templates and tools organized around four ways to help support staff and youth in SEL.
Outdoor adventures
In this lesson, youth learn how to be prepared with the right equipment for an outdoor adventure. Ideal for any grade level.
In this lesson, youth learn the history of snowshoes and how to use them properly to enjoy an outdoor winter hike. Ideal for any grade level.
STEM
In this lesson, youth learn about the chemical reaction between acids and bases by combining citric acid and gelatin in their mouths and by designing their own experiments. Ideal for grades 3-6.
In this lesson, youth learn about acid-base reactions and use this knowledge to test different household substances to dye eggs and observe chemical changes. Ideal for grades 3-6.
In this lesson, youth explore the art and science of ice crystals by making ice luminaries. Ideal for grades 2+.
In this curriculum, youth explore the concepts of materials; plastics; reuse, recycle, and reduce; and the work of scientists and engineers. The curriculum set covers three grade bands: K-2, 3-5, and 6-8 and aligns with Next Generation Science Standards.
In this lesson, youth learn how matter (solid, liquid, gas) can change form by mixing two common household substances to cause a chemical reaction that creates a third substance. Ideal for grades K-6.
Reviewed in 2021