Botany Lab: Hands-on Horticulture for 4-H Homeschooled Youth
4-H and Youth Programming
Clarissa Chairez
Residential Horticulture Agent
United States
Orlando
Abstract
Responding to the request of 4-H parents seeking hands-on horticulture curriculum to supplement their botany unit in homeschool learning, prompted the creation of the Orange County 4-H Botany Lab program The objective was to deepen students' botanical knowledge through interactive lab-based activities.
The Botany Lab comprised eight, two-hour sessions over six months, covering topics such as plant cellular structure, vascular systems, and plant anatomy. Each Agent developed their lesson’s lab report, PowerPoint presentation, and experiment. Students engaged in hands-on activities during sessions and received lab reports for continued learning at home. Participants were charged $80 for the series, which covered the budget of $100 per lab for expenses. To balance the long-term commitment of teaching labs, as well as to draw on the expertise of the Orange County horticulture agents, the teaching responsibility was split between two 4-H agents, two horticulture agents, and one botany specialist 4-H volunteer.
On average, 80% of the twelve youth participants exhibited enhanced understanding through active participation in discussions, labs, and field activities. Their ability to apply knowledge in practical settings underscored the effectiveness of the program.
The Botany Lab program yielded promising outcomes, highlighting the effectiveness of experiential learning in deepening understanding and engagement among homeschool students. By addressing the gap in hands-on botanical education, the program not only enhanced individual learning but also contributed to broader educational practices. These findings advocate for the integration of interactive, experiential approaches in educational settings to foster deeper comprehension and application of complex scientific concepts, thus empowering youth for lifelong learning and contributing to their holistic development.
Authors: Clarissa Chairez, Calvin Gardner, Erin Reichel
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Clarissa Chairez Residential Horticulture Agent , UF/IFAS Extension Orange County , Florida, 32812
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Calvin Gardner Urban Residential Horticulture Agent , UF/IFAS Extension Orange County , Florida, 32812
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Erin Reichel 4-H Youth Development Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Orange County , Florida, 32812