It’s that time of the year when college campuses are preparing for students moving into dormitories, campus housing, or off-campus apartments or housing. Stores are stocked with every possible item a young, trendy college student could possibly need or want. With all of the excitement, anticipation, and stress, it is important for students and parents to revisit “college safety!” College life brings new challenges.
10 safety tips to remember as students return to campus
Keep electric safety in mind. Don’t overload outlets, extension cords or power strips. Keep electrical cords and appliances away from bedding, curtains, and other flammable material. Make sure that all cords and electrical products are UL, CSA, or MET approved. Check with university/college housing for specific housing rules for use of hot plates, coffee makers, microwaves, air fryers, etc allowed in dorm rooms. Many colleges are banning the use of cooking appliance in on-campus housing and instead providing a designated area for the use of cooking appliances.
Check for smoke detectors. Know the fire escape route and never assume that if an alarm sounds that it is a drill.
Always keep dorm or apartment doors locked, even when occupied.
Keep an inventory of valuable possessions and record serial numbers.
Know what coverage is needed for the housing situation. A student living in a dorm may have coverage for their personal belongs under their parents’ homeowner’s insurance policy. Students living off-campus will want to consider rental insurance to cover their personal possessions.
Make sure that health insurance coverage meets the university/college requirements. Most colleges in the United States require their students to have health insurance.
Don’t allow technology to cause unawareness of surroundings. When one is plugged into music or a smartphone, they may no longer be aware of their surroundings leaving one open to potential dangerous situations or walking into traffic.
Never walk alone, especially at night. Utilize the buddy system whenever possible and know where emergency call buttons or phones are located across campus. Consider carrying pepper spray or a whistle.
Have fun, party safe. Come and go with a friend. Avoid becoming inebriated and losing control. It’s easy for others to take advantage of someone who is alone, can’t think or act rationally.
Always have emergency contacts on you or in your device. In the event of an emergency, one of the first steps emergency responders and hospitals take when someone is admitted alone is to check a smartphone (in most cases they are able to bypass the pass code in order to access contacts) or look for medical ID tags.
Wishing all students and parents a safe academic year!
I am a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a BS in Home Economics Education and Extension and from Colorado State University with a MS in Textiles and Clothing. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, gardening, quilting, cooking, sewing, and sharing knowledge and experience with others.
May Day is celebrated on May 1. It is an old day of celebration dating back to the Roman Republic. Over its many years, there have been different meanings, festivities, and representations of May Day. Beginning as a day marked with ceremonies, dances, and feasting, it celebrated the rite of spring. It also marks the half way point between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solace. In addition, it has been known as Workers’ Day or International Workers’ Day, a day commemorating the historic struggles and gains made by workers and labors.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, May Day traditions changed to leaving a gift basket filled with flowers or treats at the front door of a neighbor, friend, or loved one. The giver would leave a basket or cone of treats, ring the doorbell, shout “‘May Basket!” and run away. In some communities, hanging a May basket on someone’s door was a chance to express romantic interest. If the recipient caught the giver, he or she was entitled to a kiss. It has also been celebrated with dancing and singing around a pole laced with streamers or ribbons. During my grade school days, we made May Day baskets filled with homemade treats, candy, or dandelions to exchange with school mates.
Today, May Day is almost forgotten. The sentiment of the day certainly has a place in modern society as a time to share a random act of kindness and celebrate spring and friendship—an opportunity to pay it forward. Baskets don’t necessarily have to be left at a front door. Treats can be left for co-workers, teachers, children—anyone—anywhere they will find it.
There are numerous ideas for baskets online—paper cones, styrofoam cups, fabric, tin cans, strawberry baskets—anything goes. And, who says baskets have to be filled with flowers, candy or treats? Don’t limit yourself. Use imagination and creativity. Baskets can be filled with anything appropriate for the recipient. For example, the homeless may appreciate baskets filled with bath products, socks, non-perishable snacks or gift cards. Baskets for others could be filled with small office supplies, seed packets, cooking utensils, hair accessories, or craft supplies. The ideas are endless. Add a little treat to brighten someone’s day with a piece of candy, a flower, or a pop of color with a piece of tissue paper. And if making a basket isn’t for you, maybe buy a cup of coffee for a random stranger and wish them a Happy May Day. Get the kids involved; make it family activity or a youth group project (4-H, Scouts, Church).
So make a basket, ring the doorbell, and run! Spread some kindness! You’ll be glad you did! Happy May Day!
I am a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a BS in Home Economics Education and Extension and from Colorado State University with a MS in Textiles and Clothing. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, gardening, quilting, cooking, sewing, and sharing knowledge and experience with others.
Rachel Sweeney is the newest member of the AnswerLine team!
AnswerLine is a new role for Rachel Sweeney, but Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is not. Rachel grew up on a diversified farm outside of Iowa City and was actively involved with Johnson County 4-H as a member of the Graham Champions 4-H Club. At an early age, she realized she could turn her interest in food and nutrition projects into a career, she decided to attend Iowa State University and major in that area graduating with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in dietetics and exercise science. After graduation, she spent a year in Nashville completing a dietetic internship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Rachel’s began her professional career as an ISU Extension and Outreach human sciences specialist in Nutrition and Wellness, serving southeast Iowa for nearly seven years. In this role she led food preservation workshops, food safety trainings, and nutrition trainings for child care providers. After a brief stint as a retail dietitian, she returned to ISU Extension and Outreach as a program coordinator for Iowa 4-H Youth Development’s SWITCH (School Wellness Ingetration Targeting Child Health) program, an innovative school wellness initiative designed to support and enhance school wellness programming. After two years in this role, she got a new job title, MOM, in November of 2021, and a need to balance work and family life. AnswerLine provided the perfect opportunity for her to continue to work and enjoy her young family. One month into the job, Rachel says, “I have really enjoyed my first month on the job answering client’s questions and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow in this role to best serve the citizens of Iowa and Minnesota.”
When Rachel is not answering client questions via phone or email, she is likely with her family, 5-month old son, Thomas, and husband, Jim. She enjoys gardening, cooking and baking, food preservation, traveling, and being outside. As if she isn’t busy enough with work, family, and her many interests, she is also training for the swim portion of a half-Ironman relay-team competition in June! GO Rachel!!!!!
Rachel is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and stays involved with the Iowa Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
I am a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a BS in Home Economics Education and Extension and from Colorado State University with a MS in Textiles and Clothing. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, gardening, quilting, cooking, sewing, and sharing knowledge and experience with others.
Fruit leather, better known as ‘fruit roll-ups’ can be made with nearly any fresh fruit for a healthy snack or dessert that any ‘kid’ will love!
Growing your own vegetables and fruits is rewarding until the plants produce too much. Such is the case for me this year with strawberries and raspberries. While I love eating them fresh, preparing them in as many ways as I can think of, juicing, freezing, and making jams, there comes a time when too much is too much and something new has to be tried. When I reached my limit this year, I turned to making fruit leathers (dehydrating fruit pulp and juice to preserve them) rather than let my harvest spoil and end up in the compost pile. In addition, the finished fruit roll-ups are a convenient, portable, light-weight treat I could share with my kids and grandkids near and far.
Fruit leather gets the name “leather” from the fact that when pureed fruit is dried, it is shiny and has the texture of leather. Fruit leather is one of the easiest ways you can use leftover fruits or take advantage of abundant fruit crops to create tasty and healthy snacks for your family without preservatives, MSG, high fructose corn syrup, sugar, and salt found in many store-bought varieties; if using your own fruit, it is also a cost saver. Only fresh fruit is needed; sugar or sweetener is not generally needed as most fruit is sweet enough on its own. A touch of honey can be added if the fruit is too tart. Diabetics can eat fruit leathers as part of their diets when no sugar has been added using a regular fruit exchange for keeping track of dietary sugars. Aspartame should not be used as it loses its sweetness in the drying process.
Besides fresh fruit, a blender or food processor is needed to puree the fruit completely. Drying can be done in a food dehydrator or oven. A dehydrator is preferred as it is a quicker and more energy efficient process. Dehydrating is an easy and relatively unintimidating way to preserve any harvest for storage or to create tasty snacks year round. DIY fruit leathers are also an easy project for ‘kids in the kitchen.’
When properly dried, the fruit puree, now leather, should have a pliable texture. It is then cut into strips and rolled but can also be cut into fun shapes. Fruit leathers are nutritious, high-energy snacks for anyone. They are portable, making them convenient additions to school lunchboxes or back packs and travel easily for camping and hiking; they are also easy to mail. For more detailed information on making fruit leathers, check out Fruit Preservation: Making Fruit Leathers, by North Dakota Extension Service.
Here’s some additional tips that I learned while making several batches of fruit leathers:
Spread out the mixture to about 1/8 inch with no thin spots or holes; if possible, make it thicker on the edges as it dries from the outside first.
A sharp sissors or pizza cutter can be used to cut the leather into strips.
While plastic wrap or parchment paper can be used to line trays or baking sheets, an investment in the flexible, reusable dehydrator sheets is well worth the cost for anyone making fruit leathers repeatedly. The dried fruit leather peels off easily and cleaning up consists of rinsing the dehydrator sheets with warm soapy water and then placing them back into the dehydrator to dry. They can also be used on for baking.
Use wax paper, plastic wrap, or parchment paper to ‘roll them up’ and keep them separated. Parchment paper seems to work the best. Tie or tape to close.
If the puree mixture is too thin add some banana or a tablespoon of ground chia or flax seed to help thicken.
Spices or flavorings can be added to the puree. Use them sparingly because flavors intensify with drying. Start with 1/16 to 1/8 tsp.
Use applesauce as an extender if the blend is too thick. It also helps reduce tartness.
Dry fruits at 130-140F in the dehydrator for 6-8 hours, and in the oven on the lowest temp with the door propped open with a wooden spoon. Check both after about 4 hours and continue to check frequently thereafter to make sure the leather does not over dry.
Allow the leather to sit for a short time before cutting and rolling.
I am a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a BS in Home Economics Education and Extension and from Colorado State University with a MS in Textiles and Clothing. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, gardening, quilting, cooking, sewing, and sharing knowledge and experience with others.
September is National Sewing Month! “Sew” it “seams” we should take time to honor the history of sewing and celebrate those who enjoy this art form or craft. National Sewing Month was first celebrated in 1982 after President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation “in recognition of the importance of home sewing to our Nation.”
While sewing might imply the use of a sewing machine, it encompasses the many ways of stitching with thread and needle—garments, home décor, embroidery, needlepoint, cross-stitch, quilting, and all other forms of drawing a thread and needle through a medium. Sewing is both a skill and a creative hobby enjoyed by millions of people from all walks of life around the world.
For those looking to embark on their sewing journey or enhance their skills, resources like TopSewingMachineUK offer a wealth of valuable information and guidance. Here, enthusiasts can access helpful articles and reviews to aid them in selecting the right tools and equipment for their sewing endeavors. Whether you’re a novice seeking to learn the basics or an experienced seamstress looking to expand your repertoire, this platform provides the resources you need to delve deeper into the world of sewing and unleash your creativity.
The art of sewing dates back to 25,000 B.C.E. when sewing was used to make clothing and shelter. Early materials consisted mostly of hides from animals and plant leaves. Thin strips of animal hide or long fibers drawn from plants made the first threads with bone and ivory being the first forms of needles. Thomas Saint is credited with the invention of the sewing machine in 1750 followed by Isaac Singer’s prototype in 1851 that was to become the basis for the mechanization of sewing and the standard for the modern sewing machines we have today. Prior to the 19th century, sewing was done by hand which allowed for perfecting skills as well as developing techniques for creative and decorative stitching.
Sewing has long been a favorite hobby of mine beginning with creations made with fabric scraps, thread, and needle for my dolls. After my great-grandmother taught me to use her treadle machine, I turned out creations in mass. As a 4-H member I enjoyed learning to use my mother’s electric machine and a pattern to fashion clothing for myself. Each year was a new project with new skills. That love of creating with fabric and a desire to understand fibers and fabrics led to my eventual college major. While I never worked in the textile industry as I once envisioned, the skills and knowledge have given me a hobby and creative outlet that I still enjoy today. And by joining with friends in guilds, I have learned and enjoyed many other forms of stitchery that have furthered by love of thread and needle.
While we may recognize the skill and creative form of self-expression that sewing provides in the month of September, it is enjoyed all year. During this month, there is a long list of retailers, bloggers, organizations, and others that promote “sewing” in an attempt to renew interest, share ideas, inspire, and teach. If one was ever inclined to pick up thread and needle and try some form of sewing, the time to start is now. Creating quilts, clothing and other masterpieces not only develop new skills, but personal satisfaction, too. Sewing is a pleasurable activity to enjoy solo or with friends. Happy sewing!
I am a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a BS in Home Economics Education and Extension and from Colorado State University with a MS in Textiles and Clothing. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, gardening, quilting, cooking, sewing, and sharing knowledge and experience with others.
Spring youth baseball, softball, football, and soccer games are in full swing—rain or shine! While it’s fun to watch the kids play and give it their all, it’s not so fun for the moms and dads who clean the uniforms after the game. Parents know that just one base slide or a slip and sprawl on the grass will result in some serious laundry room time. Add to that, wet fields, sweat, blood, Gatorade, and other hard play stains!
Sport pants stained with hard play–dirt, grass, sweat, blood, and more, mean work in the laundry room. For best results and to minimize the work and time spent cleaning them, sport pants should be sent to the laundry room as soon as possible after the game. The longer sweat and stains sit, the harder they are to clean. While methods and products may differ for those who clean uniforms, there are 4 musts:
get to the stains ASAP,
avoid using chlorine bleach,
wash alone or with like colors,
wash inside out to reduce potential peeling of letters or numbers, and
air dry.
Textile experts would concur with the “mom” advice. Further, they recommend that any stain removal should begin by 1) identifying the fiber type, and 2) determining the stain type. Depending on the fiber or stain type, the stain removal process is different.
FIBER. Most sport uniforms are made of polyester or a blend of cotton and polyester, with polyester being widely used for youth sport uniforms. Polyester uniforms are extremely durable and also exhibit moisture wicking properties which allows sweat to wick away from the skin for more efficient evaporation. Polyester’s downside is it’s affinity for oil-based stains and shrinkage with heat. Check the garment tag to determine the fiber content and note if spandex is part of the mix. (Some caution may be needed with Spandex as it may not take the usual harsh treatment needed to get the uniforms clean.)
STAIN TYPE. Most sport-induced stains are either protein stains or dye stains. Protein-based stains include blood, sweat, grass, mud and most dirts; protein stains can be time-consuming to remove as they usually involve some soaking time. Grass stains can also be a dye stain as the stain comes from chlorophyll in the grass. Red clay stain is another dye stain. Red clay is the dirt combination used to skin the infield made of clay mixed with sand or silt and topped with brick dust. The reddish color of the dirt comes from iron oxide or rust. A combination of chlorophyll and red clay stains make uniform cleaning tough.
Grass, Blood, SweatStains Reach for an enzyme-based product and pre-soak in cold to lukewarm (less than 100 degrees F) water. Protein stains will set if exposed to hot water, an iron, or a dryer. Heat cooks the protein, causing coagulation between the fibers in the yarns of the fabric, making the stains more difficult to remove. Enzyme based products (presoaks and detergents) work best as these cleaners contain enzymes that “eat” protein stains. When shopping for an enzyme laundry product, pay attention to products that have “bio” or “enzyme action” somewhere in their name usually indicating that it likely contains enzymes. Launder by working a small amount of an enzyme based detergent into the stains and wash in enzyme detergent. If the stain persists, the American Cleaning Institute (ACI) recommends laundering with sodium hypochlorite bleach, if safe for fabric, or oxygen bleach.
Dirt Stains Regular dirt stains respond to products that contain wetting agents. Liquid dish soap (blue Dawn), laundry detergent, or some of the stain-removing sprays are typically used. Wetting agents enable water and cleaning agents to penetrate the fabric for better release of dirt.
Red Clay Stains Red clay (rust) stains are allergic to both chlorine and oxygen bleaches. Chlorine bleach may set or make the stain permanent. Pretreat the stain with dish soap, detergent, or spot cleaner; soak in warm water, scrub with a brush and launder. Cleanipedia recommends rubbing an enzyme detergent into the stain, letting it set overnight, and washing as usual. If the stain persists, Cleanipedia also offers more drastic solutions using vinegar and salt and ammonia solutions.
Nike, manufacturer of many kinds of sport pants, recommends soaking for at least an hour. After soaking the pants, scrub the stain with a spare, clean toothbrush or scrub brush to help release dirt particles. Then, wash the pants in warm water (approximately 110 degrees F) using the heavy soil cycle and plenty of water. Nike also suggests using detergents that are made specifically for athletic uniform care as they are lower in alkaline preventing yellowing of whites or color loss. Lastly, avoid using fabric softener on garments that contain Dri-FIT materials, as it can reduce the moisture-wicking properties of the fabric.
Clubbies, the nickname for those who launder uniforms for the major league teams, suggest the use of a product called Slide Out. Slide Out is formulated with additives that increase the effectiveness of detergent to remove tough red clay, blood, ground in dirt, sweat, odors, and hard to remove grass stains from all activity uniforms. It is a two-part product. Slide Out 1 permeates the fabric and opens up the yarns and fibers. Slide Out 2 reacts with Slide Out 1 taking out the dirt and stain. Slide Out is recommended as a post stain remover. Originally developed for the major leagues, Slide Out is now available to consumers along with other uniform cleaning products directly from the company, Clubhouse Kit LLC, that developed the products.
There are any number of other products on the market that suggest that they will do the job as well. As always, products should be used per label directions and tested in an inconspicuous spot prior to use.
“HATS OFF” to all the moms, dads, and grandparents that support youth and their activities with their time, encouragement, and laundry duty!
*Reference to any commercial product, process, or service, or the use of any trade, firm, or corporate name is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or certification of any kind. Persons using such products assume responsibility for their use and should make their own assessment of the information and whether it is suitable for their intended use in accordance with current directions of the manufacturer.
I am a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a BS in Home Economics Education and Extension and from Colorado State University with a MS in Textiles and Clothing. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, gardening, quilting, cooking, sewing, and sharing knowledge and experience with others.
During the month of March, quilting and crafting are given recognition nationally as a time to celebrate and appreciate the two artistic forms and the benefits derived by using individual talents to create. It may be no coincidence that the two commemorate hands-on activities in the same month. Both require skill, creativity, supplies and/or equipment, and the use of hands. Either can be a hobby or an occupation with an opportunity to earn by selling creations or by teaching a skill.
National Quilting Month has been sponsored by the National Quilting Association (NQA) since 1991 when it designated the third Saturday in March as National Quilting Day; over the years it has expanded to the entire month of March giving quilters more time for shop-hops, shows, and classes. In 1994, the Craft & Hobby Association created National Craft Month to help people rediscover and learn about the benefits of crafting. While crafting may conjure up images of kids working with popsicle sticks and glue, crafters, in reality, are people of all ages who produce something tangible with their hands.
Quilts and various crafts can be beautiful as well as useful or not. It is for this reason that we have shows and museums to expose, share, study and enjoy the skill, art, or craft. Whether quilt or craft, both adhere to aesthetic principles by the materials chosen, shapes used, or how the various pieces come together. The completed pieces may be useful or have no purpose at all. When they provide beauty or please our sense of aesthetics, the outcome is art.
Benefits of Quilting and Crafting
The benefits or quilting or crafting are numerous:
Relieves stress by turning on our endorphins, decreasing blood pressure and heart rate, reducing fight or flight, heart attack and stroke.
Increases mental acuity with problem solving, math or geometry, and critical thinking.
Meaningful work or sense of accomplishment provides pleasure rewards for the brain.
Increases appreciation, empathy and tolerance of others and other forms of creativity.
Builds confidence and inspires one to think ‘outside of the box’ in other aspects of their lives.
Brings people together as they enjoy and inspire one another.
Helps one learn about themselves and their values, beliefs, and attitudes.
Boosts productivity, resilience, concentration and focus by boosting neurons between the right and left brain hemispheres.
Each of us has the ability to create in our own unique way. Enjoy, celebrate and appreciate whatever your accomplishment may be!
I am a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a BS in Home Economics Education and Extension and from Colorado State University with a MS in Textiles and Clothing. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, gardening, quilting, cooking, sewing, and sharing knowledge and experience with others.
Recently my granddaughter who lives in North Carolina started first grade virtually. She was telling me how her online school works. She seems to like it well enough, but she’d rather go to school. As we were talking, she asked, “Did you go to school, Grandma?”
“Yes, Grandma went to school but school for Grandma was very different!” which brought the conversation around to Grandma’s school days. Since she reads well and is quite computer literate, she recently got an email address. We agreed that I would write a short story daily telling her all about my school days. The daily story telling has begun. Each day I develop a story around a theme such as getting to school, recess, lunchtime, celebrating holidays, a typical school day, my classmates, etc. When I can, I try to add old photos that help tell the story. Since I attended grade school in a rural Nebraska one-room school, I am sure she must think I grew up with the dinosaurs!
While writing these little stories have been a trip down memory lane for me, psychologist suggest that sharing our stories with our grandchildren is an irreplaceable gift. Researcher, Marshall P. Duke from Emory University has discovered that this shared information nurtures children emotionally and psychologically. Duke writes, “research shows that children who know a lot about their family tend to be more resilient with higher levels of self-esteem, more self-control, better family functioning, lower levels of anxiety, fewer behavioral problems, and better chances for good outcomes when faced with challenges.” As we know these qualities are important for success in life.
So grandparents, tell your story. Tell them about what life was like when you were growing up. Tell them about the silly things you did. Tell them about their parents growing up. The stories can be written or shared verbally or told in drawings or pictures–anyway that you can express yourself. All you need is love for your grandchildren and family and desire to open yourself up and invite them to enter your world. If you don’t live nearby, get creative with Skype, Zoom, FaceTime, email, journals, or even old-fashioned letters. Sharing stories will melt the distance into nothingness.
I am a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a BS in Home Economics Education and Extension and from Colorado State University with a MS in Textiles and Clothing. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, gardening, quilting, cooking, sewing, and sharing knowledge and experience with others.
The apples are getting ripe in our orchard and most of the varieties are producing nice, pest-free fruit this year. With an abundance of quality fruit, our family gathered over the Labor Day weekend to make ‘apple cider’. Actually, for us, it was just fresh apple juice as we did not allow it to ferment.
We began by setting up the equipment (crusher and press) and making sure it was clean. Then we headed to the orchard with buckets to pick apples from a variety of trees. We like to use a mix of apple varieties as over the years we have found that the best cider comes from a blend of sweet, tart, and aromatic apple varieties. The grand kids were the taste testers to help determine if the apples on the various trees were ripe, firm, and sweet enough. Green, immature apples give cider a flat flavor when juiced.
Apples for cider do not have to be flawless so apples with blemishes or of small size are okay. We tried to avoid picking apples with spoilage. However, if the spoilage was small and could be cut away, those apples made it into the cider press, too. Spoilage will cause the juice to ferment rapidly and ruin it.
After picking the apples, we washed them in a big tub and then set about coring and cutting them into quarters. For the most part this was a job for the adults and older kids. As the apples were cut up, they went into the crusher. After a sufficient amount of crushed apples had accumulated, the smaller kids help load the crushed apples into the press. With the weights in place, the grand kids were allowed to take turns turning the ratchet handle and were thrilled to see the juice pour out of the press into a bucket.
Next we took the fresh juice into the house and squeezed it through a jelly bag to remove as many particles as possible. Since it was our intention to not ferment the juice, we immediately pasteurized it by heating the juice to 160°F to eliminate the possibility of E coli or Salmonella poisoning. After the juice had cooled for a while, we poured it into clean, recycled juice bottles. There were lots of ‘yums!” as everyone sampled the warm juice before refrigerating it. Fresh juice or cider will keep in the refrigerator up to five days. If there is more than can be used in that time, it should be frozen after chilling.
I am a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a BS in Home Economics Education and Extension and from Colorado State University with a MS in Textiles and Clothing. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, gardening, quilting, cooking, sewing, and sharing knowledge and experience with others.
The 4-H Exhibit Goal Sheet is part of each static project that 4-H members prepare for the fair. The goal sheet is usually in written form, but may be submitted as a video or a voice recording. 4-H members can use a standard form or create their own. Regardless of presentation, the three parts (questions) must be answered. The three parts to the exhibit goal sheet include:
exhibit goal – first and perhaps the most important,
explanation of steps taken to reach the goal,
learning experiences acquired while doing the project as stated in the goal.
A previous blog addressed the “What was your exhibit goal?” question and how to write a great goal. This blog will be about the remaining two parts (steps and learning) or questions, “What steps did you take to learn or do this?” and “What were the most important things that you learned.”
What steps did you take to learn or do this?
Here is where the 4-H member lays out the path that was taken to get from the goal to the finished project. It can be communicated step by step or told in story form. At any rate, it should be thoughtful and thorough so that the reader can follow the procedure and understand what has been done. Pictures showing the steps or the project in progress are helpful but are NOT REQUIRED. If the project is a baked product, the recipe must be included and the source identified (cookbook name, magazine, or website). If the recipe came from a relative or friend, give their name.
What were the most important things that you learned?
Here is where the 4-H member reflects back on their project and shares all that was learned. The learning might even include something that didn’t go well or that they would do differently another time. It may be about trial and error or problem solving. It may include discoveries that were made in the course of completing the project or some research that was done. Here is were the member can also include the identified elements and principles of design if they are required for the project. Remember, the learning should come from the project goal.
The 4-H Exhibit Goal Sheet form is available from the County Extension Offices. However, the forms do not have to be used as long as the three questions are answered. Regardless of how it is done, the goal sheet should support the project that is exhibited. The goal sheet should be typed or neatly written by hand so that it looks as professional as possible. Be sure to proofread.
For more help in answering these two questions, check out this great video. A thoughtfully prepared 4-H Exhibit Goal Sheet is the final step in putting together a great project for exhibit at the fair.
I am a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a BS in Home Economics Education and Extension and from Colorado State University with a MS in Textiles and Clothing. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, gardening, quilting, cooking, sewing, and sharing knowledge and experience with others.