Science

Hangin’ with Sloths

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a sloth in a tree looking at the camera

Sloth image from stock.adobe.com

Learning about different animals is interesting and an effective way to engage Cloverbuds. Being able to relate to animals is a way to connect to nature and generate excitement about being outdoors. Even when the animals are more exotic than our pets and farm animals, we can still have fun learning about them.

Show the Cloverbuds a plush toy sloth and talk about their appearance. Ask the Cloverbuds: Do you like hanging upside down from the monkey bars or laying on a tree branch in the back yard? Are you a good swimmer? Do you like walking very, very slowly…. especially when it is time to brush your teeth? Then you might just like to hang out with sloths!

Ask your Cloverbuds to share what they know about sloths. Then talk with your Cloverbuds about the characteristics of a sloth, such as what they look like, where they live, what they eat, and so forth. There are many great videos on youtube.com which talk about sloths. Share one of these videos with your Cloverbuds if your meeting space allows.

Sloths live in central and south America and are related to anteaters and armadillos. They like to live alone and do not usually hang out much with other sloths. They live most of their lives in treetops, moving slowly from place to place. You can ride your bike about seven miles per hour, while a sloth moves about four miles per hour. Sloths are surprisingly good swimmers; they move faster in the water than on land.

Sloths weigh between 13 and 17 pounds. That is about the same as a small dog or a really big house cat. A baby sloth is called a pup. It weighs about the same as a box of cereal (have an example to show) when it is born. They are born with their eyes open. Baby sloths like to explore but they always keep one foot on their moms during their first 6 months of life. After that mom moves away and finds a new tree to live in; baby gets the tree where it was born.

If you like to eat, then you might not want to hang out with the sloths. They only eat about the same amount as two and a half slices of bread a day (have available to show). They eat leaves that can take 30 days to digest. You digest your food in one to two days. It can take a sloth hours to go from the treetops to the ground. That is why they only make the trip once a week to poop. Some sloths even bury their poop by doing a poop dance!

We hope your Cloverbuds enjoy learning about sloths. Ask them what other animals they would like to learn about and make plans to share about that animal during a future meeting.

Things to do:

  • Try making a sloth on a stick. You will find instructions here.
  • Have the Cloverbuds make a sloth handprint craft for a fun keepsake.
  • Ask your Cloverbuds to color the sloth coloring page. Begin by asking them what colors they think they will need. Tell them that a sloth’s fur stays wet in the rain forest, so sloths often have algae growing on them. Where else do we find algae? (in ponds, lakes and even fish aquariums)

 

Books to share:

Book cover for The Weird, Wild and Wonderful Adventures of Austin the Zookeeper: Sloths by Tammy GegelThe Weird, Wild and Wonderful Adventures of Austin the Zookeeper: Sloths. Written by Tammy Gegel (This book honors the memory of Austin Gegel, an Auglaize County, Ohio  4-H alumnus. The author, Tammy, is a former Auglaize County 4-H volunteer.)

 

“Slowly, Slowly, Slowly,” said the Sloth by Eric CarleBook cover of "Slowly, Slowly, Slowly," said the Sloth by Eric Carle

Cloverbuds Share Engineering Skills Across Ohio

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The 2025 Cloverbud Engineering Adventure encouraged teams to experience the science of flight as they used their engineering and problem-solving skills to explore different types of aircraft that interested them. They then created their aircraft out of LEGO®-type bricks. In addition to showcasing the different types of aircraft, they learned about the pioneers of flight and how aircraft are able to fly.

The Cloverbud Engineering Adventure culminated in a one-day showcase event in which teams presented their solution to an engineering problem. The requirements included constructing a model on a 15” X 15” baseplate with interlocking parts such as Legos ® or Mega Bloks®, having at least one moving part or simple machine and creating a poster to highlight the overall engineering challenge.

Each team of two or more Cloverbuds prepared a poster/tri-fold highlighting their overall experience. The teams shared their models, posters, knowledge, and excitement with volunteer judges at the showcase events held throughout Ohio. This year there were nine showcase locations. Teams could choose the location closest to them.

The Cloverbud Engineering Adventure has seen tremendous growth since its inception in 2021. There were 108 participants from 13 counties in 2021. In 2024 there were 450 participants from 32 counties. Sixty-seven teams totaling 367 participants registered for showcases in 2025.

Look for this event to return in 2026! It continues to motivate our youngest 4-H youth to develop an interest in STEM activities. For more information about this year’s challenge, visit the 4-H Cloverbud Connections webpage.

No endorsement from The Ohio State University for products referenced in this curriculum is intended or implied.

Photos courtesy of Bruce Zimmer.

 

She Sells Seashells by the Seashore

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Large collection of sea shells

Summertime fun is upon us which means many families might be taking a summer vacation. The beach is a popular vacation spot. And what do people often collect from the beach? Seashells, of course! Talking with your Cloverbuds about seashells is a fun summer activity. Ask an advisor, parent, or youth member if they have seashells they have collected from a recent vacation. Set the shells on a table and take time to explore all the differences.

Explain to your Cloverbuds that seashells are uniquely different in size, shape, and color. No two are exactly alike! Ask your Cloverbuds:

  • How are the edges different? Are they smooth or rough?
  • Are the shells flat or curved?
  • Are the shells pointy or round?
  • What colors and patterns do the Cloverbuds see?

Depending on the age of your Cloverbuds, you might ask them what type of creatures live in seashells—hermit crabs, scallops, snails, clams, and so forth. If possible, show the Cloverbuds pictures of these creatures.

Now ask your Cloverbuds to use their creativity to make their own seashell. Ask them to think about the features they observed. Will their shell be wide and wavy, or small and spiky?

You will need:

  • a plain paper plate for each Cloverbud
  • scissors
  • pencils
  • crayons, markers, or colored pencils
  • glue
  • optional decorations: glitter, sequins, buttons, tissue paper, or sand
  1. To form a basic seashell shape, fold the paper plate in half like a taco shell.
  2. Use a pencil to draw the outline of a seashell such as a scallop, clam, or spiral shell.
  3. Cut out the seashell shape.
  4. Use crayons or markers to draw curved lines or ridges.
  5. Decorate the seashell. Be creative!

Another fun activity is to write questions on a beach ball with permanent marker. Ask the Cloverbuds to stand in a circle and toss the ball. When a Cloverbud catches the ball, they answer the question that is closest to the thumb on their right hand. You might include questions such as What is your favorite ocean animal? What is your favorite fruit? What is your favorite popsicle flavor? and so forth.

There are many fun beach-themed books that your Cloverbuds might enjoy. Check your library for favorites such as “Pete the Cat: Pete at the Beach” by James Dean, “The Rainbow Fish” by Marcus Pfister, “Duck & Goose Go to the Beach” by Tad Hills, or “Commotion in the Ocean” by Giles Andreae.

Have a great summer!

NOTE: This summertime topic pairs will with Chapter 19–Nature Fun or Chapter 23–Habitats are Homes found in the Big Book of 4-H Cloverbud Activities.

Image from stock.adobe.com

 

“Bee” A Pollinator

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Spring and summer are exciting for children, and Cloverbud meetings can add to the excitement. Consider this engaging pollinator activity to help Cloverbuds learn about the process of pollination.

You will need:

  • Yellow pom-poms
  • Hot glue – use with adult supervision
  • Black pipe cleaners
  • Jumbo craft sticks
  • lid or plate to hold “pollen”
  • Cheese balls

What to do:

  1. Have the Cloverbuds line up and begin using the hot glue (with adult supervision) to attach their yellow pom-poms. Place the pom-poms close together near the tip of a craft stick. Leave room in between the pom poms to attach pipe cleaners.
  2. Take a black pipe cleaner and wrap it around the stick between the two pom-poms. Twist the second pipe cleaner around the stick to secure them in place.
  3. Shape the pipe cleaner into four bendy bee legs.
  4. Set up the pollination station by crushing cheese balls and placing in a lid or on a plate. Use an empty plate to collect the pollen. You can make the plate look like a flower to enhance excitement.
  5. Take the bee and dip their legs into the container of pollen. Once there is a good amount of pollen sticking to the legs, fly them over to the empty jar lid and drop off some pollen. Continue this step until you feel like the flower has been fully pollinated.

Talk to the Cloverbuds about the importance of pollination. Explain that pollination is a process that helps plants produce fruits such as apples, strawberries, and oranges, and it enables the formation of seeds for new flowers. Thanks to pollination, we have a wide variety of delicious foods to enjoy. Pollination is not just vital for food. It is also essential for producing everyday items like cotton for clothing and wood for furniture. Without pollinators like bees and butterflies, many plants would struggle to reproduce, leading to a shortage of food and materials. Therefore, it is crucial to protect our pollinators by ensuring they have plenty of flowers to visit and suitable habitats in which to live.

Include literacy in this activity by reading The Magic School Bus Inside a Beehive.

Incorporating fun and exciting ways to teach various STEAM topics can greatly enhance your Cloverbuds’ learning experience. Hands-on activities make learning fun!

Source: blog.kaplanco.com/ii/pollination-steam-craft

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, Oh My!

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The thought of teaching STEM sometimes strikes fear into the hearts of those working with 4-H Cloverbuds. Can Cloverbuds do STEM? Am I able to teach STEM? The answer to both of these questions is a giant YES! Providing STEM as part of your Cloverbud meeting is an excellent way to engage our youngest 4-H members in activities that:

  • facilitate language development
  • encourage independent and collaborative learning
  • allow the development of communication and problem-solving skills
  • are a predictor of future success

WHY SHOULD WE BE TEACHING STEM TO 4-H CLOVERBUDS?

There is a lot of research that supports providing STEM education to young children. A project conducted by the Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop and New America and supported by the National Science Foundation wanted to better understand the challenges to and opportunities in STEM learning, make recommendations to help stimulate research and policy agendas and encourage collaboration. They interviewed prominent early childhood STEM researchers, policy makers and educators and conducted focus groups with teachers, childcare and preschool educators and early elementary teachers. In their report, the researchers suggested that community organizations like 4-H should provide early STEM education. The report also says that children should be engaged with learning environments. That means hands on education which is what 4-H is all about.

In 2014, the National Science Teachers Association voted to adopt a position statement on science in early learning. These key principles help guide the learning of science with young children. Included in these principles are several statements that align well with our 4-H program. One principle says adults play an important role in helping young children learn science. We know this is true in 4-H as we see adult volunteers teaching youth in clubs. Other principles talk about how young people develop science skills in informal settings and through a variety of opportunities which we offer in 4-H. The National Teachers Association also points to experiential learning as being key for young children to develop science skills and this is at the heart of what we do in our 4-H projects.

Big Book of 4-H Cloverbud ActivitiesHOW CAN WE TEACH STEM WITH 4-H CLOVERBUDS?

The big question volunteers and 4-H families might have is HOW? How can we teach STEM topics to our 4-H Cloverbuds? The simple answer is by using the resources Ohio 4-H provides for you. The Big Book of 4-H Cloverbud Activities has an entire section devoted to Science and Technology activities. My daughter is an elementary teacher and used the Weather Safety Game in her classroom and said the students really enjoyed it. On these cold winter days, you can make a thermometer with the Make Your Own Thermometer activity. One of the best parts of this resources is the patterns you need for activities such as the thermometer are in the book ready to be copied. Balloon Rockets are an activity I remember from when I was younger, and that activity is also included in the Big Book.

Another section in the Big Book focuses on Environmental and Earth Science. When I was younger, we did leaf rubbings. I am surprised by how many children today have not done that activity. Leaf Rubbings is an activity in the Big Book. Literacy is important with young children. The Sounds of a Nature Hike in this section complements the book The Listening Walk by Paul Showers. Dinosaurs seem to fascinate young children. You can capture your Cloverbuds interest with the activity What to Feed a Dinosaur.

Ohio also provides other STEM related Cloverbud resources. You will find links to resources along the left side of this page. The Cloverbud Meeting Menu provides enough activities for a year of Cloverbud meetings. The theme in 2025 will be flight, so the menu will include STEM topics. Click and Do Activities are easy to do activities around a variety of topics including STEM. You will find some great Reading Adventures that pair a book with related activities. Past issues of the Cloverbud Connection are also a great place to find STEM activities to share with your Cloverbuds. Participating in the Cloverbud Engineering Adventure is another easy way to include STEM as part of your Cloverbud meetings. With the resources we provide, we also try to give users enough background information to be able to teach the activity.

 

When I teach STEM one of the things I often find myself sharing is that STEM is not about being perfect. Often activities and experiments we do have expected outcomes but there are many variables that can affect those results. When flying drones, if the wind is too strong then the drones we have do not fly well. When making elephant toothpaste, the concentration of the hydrogen peroxide makes a difference. There are lots of other examples. Sometimes the learning is in the unexpected result. The question of why this did not turn out like we thought it would, can lead to a good discussion. So even though you may not be a scientist, you do not have to be afraid to try an activity and learn together with your Cloverbuds.

Even if teaching STEM to your Cloverbuds makes you a little nervous, the value to them is great. With the resources available to you, you can be successful and confident. The Ohio 4-H Cloverbud Design Team is always happy to help if you have questions.

 

 

Elephant toothpaste photo from stock.adobe.com

Reading Adventure: The Sun is Kind of a Big Deal

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The Sun is Kind of a Big Deal by Nick Seluk is a new Cloverbud Reading Adventure that you can use with your Cloverbuds to help them understand the solar system and the importance of the sun. This adventure can be used anytime but is great paired with education about the upcoming solar eclipse.

This lesson teaches Cloverbuds about the solar system and the planets and other items it includes. You will explore why the sun is a big deal through a variety of hands-on activities designed to reinforce key science concepts. It will help your Cloverbuds to understand that the sun sits in the center of our solar system and holds it together. Without the sun, life on planet Earth would not exist.

The book does a great job of explaining why we have four seasons, the sun’s role in the water cycle, and how plants need the sun for photosynthesis. Plus, it gives us light and keeps us warm!

Check out this new Reading Adventure and discover why The Sun is Kind of a Big Deal!

Solar Eclipse 2024

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Have you heard the news? On Monday, April 8, 2024 a solar eclipse will occur over North America with portions of Mexico, the United States, and Canada in the path of totality. What is the path of totality? That means the moon will completely cover the sun, temporarily blocking its light. This can lead to a drop in temperature, animals behaving like it’s nighttime and stars and planets might be clearly visible. Imagine how scared the first people to view a total eclipse must have been!

Roughly 35 Ohio counties will experience complete totality while all other counties will experience a partial eclipse. Introduce your Cloverbuds to the eclipse by using the lesson, Small Moon, Big Sun 1 This is a stand-alone lesson focusing on the concept of the eclipse and a discussion about the solar system. Concerned because you are not a scientist? No problem! The lesson includes the background information to help you explain the event to your Cloverbuds in language they can understand.

Begin your Cloverbud meeting with a discussion about what an eclipse is and learn about the parts of the solar system. There is a cool experiment to help your Cloverbuds understand how the moon, which is much smaller than the sun, blocks the sun during an eclipse. If you have available internet connectivity, you can share the video about gravity which explains why the moon doesn’t fall from the sky. End your meeting with a discussion about what your Cloverbuds think it would be like to live on another planet.

In addition to this lesson, there are some children’s books that can be used to reinforce the key concepts: The Sun is Kind of A Big Deal by Nick Seluk, Eclipse by Andy Rash. and Eclipse by Darcy Patterson. Look for a related Cloverbud Reading Adventure coming soon!

If your 4-H families are planning to view the eclipse, follow these Tips for Sun Safety.

For more information or for other eclipse activities, visit ohio4h.org/solareclipse.

ALL SOLAR ECLIPSE VIEWING RISKS BORNE BY THE VIEWER. Any and all risks associated by viewing the solar eclipse on any property operated by, or with glasses distributed by the Ohio State University, are borne and accepted solely by the individual taking such action. Instructions on how to use the glasses are printed on the inside of the glasses. Please read them carefully and follow the instructions exactly as written. You hereby release The Ohio State University, its Trustees, boards, officers, employees and representatives from any liability, for any and all claims and causes of action for loss of or damage to property and for any and all illness or injury to your person that may result from or occur during your participation in the activity, whether caused by negligence of The Ohio State University, its Trustees, boards, officers, employees, or representatives, or otherwise. See instructions on glasses before use.

Get Excited for Fall with this STEM Activity!

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STEM activities are a great way to introduce Cloverbuds to the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. By participating in hands-on STEM activities, children can learn problem- solving skills, creativity, and decision making skills.

Using the season to build activities around a theme engages Cloverbuds and connects them to real world experiences. Try this favorite Fall-themed STEM activity with your Cloverbuds at your next meeting.

Mini Pumpkin Volcano

Materials Picture of a Mini Pumpkin Volcano made with baking soda, food coloring, and vinegarNeeded:

  • Mini Pumpkin
  • Baking Soda
  • Vinegar
  • Dish soap
  • Food Coloring
  • Spoon
  • Measuring Cup
  • Tray or paper (for the mess)

What to Do:

  1. Cut the stem area of the pumpkin, keeping the opening smaller.
  2. Clean out the seeds.
  3. Place the pumpkin on the tray or paper.
  4. Add 3 to 4 spoons of baking soda to each pumpkin. Add a few drops of dish soap, and a few drops of food coloring.
  5. Pour vinegar into a bowl and have the Cloverbud use a measuring cup to pour vinegar into the pumpkin. Watch as the pumpkin erupts!

To make your pumpkin volcano even more interesting, carve the pumpkin like a jack-o-lantern and watch the eruption from different angles of the pumpkin.

Check out the Cloverbud Connections Pumpkin STEM and the Pumpkin Ideas for Autumn 4-H Cloverbud Activities blogs for more pumpkin and fall ideas to use with your Cloverbuds.

 

Pile of mini pumpkins

Sources:

https://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/mini-pumpkin-volcanos-fall-science-experiment/

https://www.kindergartenworksheetsandgames.com/pumpkin-volcano-science-experiments/

Photos from Adobe Stock

 

The Nature Connection: Get Your Cloverbuds Outside with Scavenger Hunts

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If you’re looking to take advantage of time to be outside during the summer months with your Cloverbuds, consider a nature scavenger hunt.

The Nature Connection

Being out in nature has positive benefits for both physical and mental health. Direct exposure to nature and the outdoors has been found to have a restorative and calming effect. It shifts focus, provides an escape, and may facilitate reflection. Although research hasn’t been able to pin down why there is such a health benefit, it could be due to an increase in physical activity. In addition, time spent in nature during childhood is associated with connectedness with nature, increased pro-environmental attitudes, and pro-environmental behaviors. However, we also know that children are spending less time outdoors than previous generations.

Scavenger Hunts: What and Why

A scavenger hunt is a game that starts with a prepared list of specific objects for participants to gather or locate. Scavenger hunts are more than just a way to keep children busy, they are a way to build critical thinking skills and have fun at the same time.

There are many reasons to consider a scavenger hunt.

  • They don’t require many supplies.
  • They can be as simple or elaborate as you want.
  • They can be played with individuals or with teams.
  • They can be customized to a variety of age groups.
  • They are adaptable to small or large groups.
  • They can be played in various ways.

Adult leaders can plan the scavenger hunt or turn it over to teen leaders to create it (given some parameters). To create a scavenger hunt, you’ll need to decide on the game parameters. Make sure to define if anything is off limits. Then follow these basic steps.

  1. Make a list of items for participants to find or things to do. A Google search will also turn up printable scavenger hunt sheets. There are some nature-related scavenger hunts to check out.
  2. Define the search area (backyard, neighborhood, park, etc.).
  3. Decide on a time limit for completion.
  4. Decide how you will complete the game: Is it finding the most items? Or is the goal for everyone to find the items and share what they found?

Scavenger Hunt Ideas

  • Items in nature: leaf, flower, feather, rock, twig, acorn, pinecone, bird’s nest, animal tracks, etc. Check out these sites for some ideas for a nature scavenger hunt.
  • Items that are a particular color or shape
  • Items that involve the senses: something smooth, something soft, something you can hear, something you can smell, etc.
  • Items to correspond to letters of the alphabet
  • Mix and match to add some challenge: a yellow flower, a smooth stone, a blue bird.
  • If you don’t want to or can’t remove items from their natural environment, take photos.

Ways to Extend the Learning

  • Mindfulness is a way to bring connection between the brain, body, and behavior. This Iowa State University activity sheet for Mindful Nature Hike Bingo provides a lesson plan for making the connection between nature and mindfulness.
  • Books are always a good way to introduce or extend the learning on a topic. This site gives suggestions for books about nature.
  • Project Learn Tree© has 12 nature walk activities, including a scavenger hunt.

Whatever you decide for your scavenger hunt, have fun doing it!

 

References

DeVille, N. V., Tomasso, L. P., Stoddard, O. P., Wilt, G. E., Horton, T. H., Wolf, K. L., Brymer, E., Kahn, P. H., Jr., & James, P. (2021). Time spent in nature is associated with increased pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(14), Article 7498. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18147498

Hartig, T., Mitchell, R., De Vries, S., & Frumkin, H. (2014). Nature and health. Annual Review of Public Health, 35, 207–228. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-publhealth-032013-182443

Jiminez, M. P., DeVille, N. V., Elliott, E. G., Schiff, J. E., Wilt, G. E., Hart, J. E., & James, P. (2021). Associations between nature exposure and health: A review of the evidence. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(9), Article 4790. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094790

Larson, L., R., Szczytko, R., Bowers, E. P., Stephens, L. E., Stephenson, K. T., & Floyd, M. F. (2019). Outdoor time, screen time, and connection to nature: Troubling trends among rural youth? Environment and Behavior, 51(8), 966–991. https://doi.org/10.1177/001391651880668

Masterton, W., Carver, H., Parkes, T., & Park, K. (2020). Greenspace interventions for mental health in clinical and non-clinical populations: What works, for whom, and in what circumstances? Health and Place, 64, Article 102338. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2020.102338

Shapiro, S. L., Carlson, L. E., Astin, J. A., & Freedman, B. (2006). Mechanisms of mindfulness. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 62(3), 373–386. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.20237

 Sheldrake, R., & Reiss, M. J. (2023). Primary children’s views about appreciating, supporting, and learning about nature. Journal of Biological Education, 57(2), 401–421. https://doi.org/10.1080/00219266.2021.1909643

Tillman, S., Button, B., Coen, S. E., & Gilliland, J. A. (2019). ‘Nature makes people happy, that’s what it sort of means’: Children’s definitions and perceptions of nature in rural Northwestern Ontario. Children’s Georgraphies, 17(6), 705–718. https://doi.org/10.1080/14733285.2018.1550572

Van Heel, B. F., van den Born, R. J. G., & Aarts, N. (2023). Nature experiences in childhood as a driver of connectedness with nature and action for nature: A review. Ecopsychology. Published online March 7, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1089/eco.2022.0080

 

STEM Days for Cloverbuds

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Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) activities can make learning fun for our Cloverbuds and instill a lifelong desire to learn new things! Doing STEM based learning has many benefits for youth so Morgan County implemented Cloverbud STEM days. Events typically last 2 hours and consist of different STEM activities for Cloverbuds.  The day ends with a snack.

The event is completely conducted by Older Youth in Training and Junior Leaders.  With guidance, they choose a theme and plan what activities they want to do. Older youth lead the activities throughout the day.

The last STEM Day was on April 7th. It was called “Swing into Spring.” One of the activities for the day was based on the lifecycle of the Monarch Butterfly. It was an interactive game where the Cloverbuds become the monarch butterfly, beginning as an egg.

Supplies Needed:

  • Cotton balls
  • Laminated Monarch Caterpillars
  • Laminated Monarch Butterflies
  • Laminated milkweed leaves
  • Laminated Flowers
  • Milkweed seeds for a giveaway (optional)
  • Popsicle sticks (optional, to hot glue onto butterflies and caterpillars for easy holding)

What to Do:

  1. Explain what the Cloverbuds will be doing (experiencing the lifecycle of a monarch butterfly.)
  2. They will start off as an egg (cotton ball) and then hatch into a caterpillar. To hatch out of their eggs, each Cloverbud must jump 5 times. After they do so, hand them a laminated monarch butterfly caterpillar.
  3. Next the caterpillars must eat to form into a chrysalis to become a butterfly. Monarch caterpillars love milkweed. Each Cloverbud must collect (eat) 5 milkweed leaves so their caterpillar can form a chrysalis (explain the chrysalis is the shell a caterpillar will stay in while it is transforming into a butterfly).
  4. To simulate emerging from the chrysalis, they will put their caterpillars into a green cup. They must take ten steps to break out of their chrysalis (The actual time frame for this is 8-15 days).
  5. Once they have taken ten steps, hand each Cloverbud a laminated Monarch Butterfly.
  6. Now that they have hatched, it is time to get ready for the great migration to Mexico. Explain that just like birds, Monarch butterflies migrate too. They fly over Lake Erie to Canada all the way to Mexico where it is warmer. In order to prepare for migration, monarch butterflies must eat. Butterflies eat the nectar in flowers. Cloverbuds must collect eight flowers to successfully migrate to Mexico.
  7. Lastly, they will cross the finish line making it to Mexico.

There are many different variations you can do with this activity. Consider adding predators or other environmental factors. Morgan County 4-H partners with their SNAP-Ed program assistant to teach a short/fun lesson on nutrition during snack time right before dismissal. Cloverbuds enjoy that aspect of this event.

Consider implementing Cloverbud STEM days in your Cloverbud program.  STEM days have been a huge success in Morgan County!