4-H@UMaine
4-H@UMaine is all about connecting kids to the UMaine campus! Below you will find a list of workshops that involve the exciting work of University of Maine faculty, staff, and/or students. Workshops offered with generous support from the Alton ’38 and Adelaide Hamm Campus Activity Fund.
4-H Hang Out
Mondays starting July 26 – August 23
4:30 – 5:30 pm
Open to all youth ages 9 and up
Maximum 20 attendees
It’s been a hard year and we could all use some time to hang out and socialize. This club is all about having fun and meeting new people in a small virtual group setting. Join 4-H Teen Leaders, Maddie and Nathan for an hour each week to get to know other youth participating in the 4-H Summer Learning Series. We will be mailing you materials that connect to a fun weekly theme, like movie night, glow stick night, and more! Together, we will build a sense of belonging through activities, games, sharing our summer learning experiences, and taking time to just chat with each other. Come sit around the virtual campfire to laugh, learn, reflect, and connect! Registration deadline: July 12.
The BBQ Cycle
August 13
3:00 – 4:00 pm
Open to all Maine youth ages 9 and up
Maximum 30 attendees
Join us for this exciting workshop that is all about Barbeque. Dr. Colt Knight, University of Maine Cooperative Extension State Livestock Specialist will show everyone where barbeque comes from and how it is prepared. Participants will receive a care package with aprons, cookbooks, stickers, spices, and instructions on how to create your own mouth-watering baby back ribs! During the webinar Dr. Knight will highlight different types of barbeque, then we will all break out our spices and create a customized dry rub for our baby back ribs. Once those dry rubs are ready, Dr. Knight will walk everyone through how to prepare and cook the ribs. If you don’t have a grill or smoker, don’t worry, an oven will work just fine. Registration deadline: July 23, so materials can be mailed out to participants.
Disease Detectives: the Search for ZOOnotic Origins
Tuesdays, July 20 – August 10
2:00 – 3:00 pm
Open to all Maine youth ages 9 and up
Maximum 12 attendees
Diseases that are spread between animals and humans are known as zoonoses, which result in the collaboration of veterinarians, scientists, and doctors. In this workshop, you will learn how scientists, doctors, and veterinarians diagnose, study, and find the source of diseases in animals and humans. Youth will use this knowledge to become detectives for zoonotic diseases in the final meeting by investigating an outbreak of a mysterious disease. Registration Deadline: July 16.
An Eggcellent Exploration of the Principals of Protein Coagulation
July 29
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Open to all Maine youth of all ages
Maximum 15 attendees
Chef Rob Dumas and Caitlin Hillery from the University of Maine for an eggcellent cook-a-long. Participants will learn about the science behind the versatile ingredient of eggs and follow along with a cooking demonstration. Registration deadline: July 14, as materials will be sent to your home.
First Year in the Lab: Starting Out in Science
June 30
4:00 – 5:00 pm
Open to all youth ages 12 and up
Katie Stevens, a freshman at UMaine is going to meet with youth to talk about her experience as a first-year college student, and what that has meant for her in terms of working in a lab, and experiencing student life. She’s ready to answer any of your questions about the college experience, and the research she does. Registration deadline: June 29.
Grow Your Own Microgreens
July 15 and July 22
1:00 – 2:00 pm
Open to all Maine youth of all ages
Maximum 30 attendees
Dr. Stephanie Burnett will lead this two-part series on microgreens, focusing on seed production, growth, and sustainability. Participants will take part in the creation of their very own microgreen garden. Participants must register by July 1 so that the materials for their project have time to arrive.
Healthy Diet, Healthy Microbes
July 21
4:00 – 5:00 pm
Open to all Maine youth ages 12 and up
Maximum 30 attendees
The digestive tracts of humans and animals are filled with microbes – many of them help us digest our food and provide nutrients to keep us healthy. The foods we eat attract different microbes, and a healthy diet can help attract the most helpful microbes. This presentation will teach about the effect of diet on microbes and health, in humans versus cows. The at-home activity will teach some of the ways scientists research microbes – you can even learn to grow your own microbial culture!
Dr. Sue Ishaq, Assistant Professor of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, joined the University of Maine faculty in fall 2019. The Ishaq lab focuses on the community of microbes in the gut of animals, and particularly in ruminants, both wild and domestic. Science is still trying to understand microbes and how they affect the health of animals. Our goals are to increase our understanding of microbial communities involved with animals, and particularly in agricultural settings, and to improve the sustainability of agriculture to promote the health of our natural environments. Registration deadline: July 7.
Making Seaweed Lava Lamps
July 21
1:00 – 2:00 pm
Open to all Maine youth ages 9 and up
Maximum 10 attendees
Do you know all of the amazing properties of seaweed? In this workshop, you will learn about some of these wonders by harnessing seaweed’s “gelling” abilities to make Seaweed Lava Lamps right at home! Youth must register by July 7 for supplies to be mailed to attendees’ homes.
Observing Fish Behavior
July 14
1:00 – 3:00 pm
Open to all youth ages 9 and up
Maximum 10 attendees
In this workshop, we will explore the exciting and interesting ways that fish behave! Led by Dr. Scarlett Tudor of UMaine’s Aquaculture Research Institute (ARI), youth will learn how to observe fish behavior scientifically and collect observational data by watching a variety of interesting fishes on video. This workshop is designed to build observational skills, data collection skills, and spark an interest in animal behavior and aquaria.
Tree Identification & Leaf Pressing
August 3 and 5
2:00 – 3:00 pm
Open to all youth ages 9 and up
Maximum 12 attendees
Have you ever wondered what trees may be in your backyard? At your favorite park? On your drive home? Join Dr. Bill Livingston as he teaches you about the native tree species of Maine. In between workshops, you’ll be tasked with collecting your own leaves to identify, and Dr. Livingston will walk you through the process of leaf pressing to preserve your collection. Registration deadline: August 2.
Wildlife Surveying with Artificial Intelligence
August 12 and 19
3:00 – 4:00 pm
Open to all youth ages 12 and up
Maximum 15 attendees
Have you ever wondered how researchers are able to observe and survey wildlife around the globe? Artificial intelligence is the answer! Dr. Tom Rounsville will be leading a two-part series on how he uses artificial intelligence in his wildlife research. Registration deadline: August 11.