Caldwell County 4-H is planting new opportunities for learning in local classrooms through a hands-on school enrichment program focused on the Pumpkin Life Cycle.
In previous years, Caldwell County 4-H has primarily connected with schools through our Embryology program, which is available to second-grade students. To reach more youth and grade levels, we decided to introduce several new enrichment programs designed for varying grade levels, with the one we are highlighting today being our Pumpkin Life Cycles.
Using resources developed by NC State Extension and 4-H Youth Development, the Pumpkin Life Cycle program allows students to explore how pumpkins grow from seed to harvest through a fun and engaging activity. Each student uses bright orange, pumpkin-scented homemade playdough, prepared by the Caldwell County 4-H staff, aka myself and Program Assistant Debbie Burns, to create the stages of the pumpkin’s life cycle on laminated mats.
Students not only learn about plant science and agriculture, but also engage their senses through the unique texture and scent of the playdough. At the end of the activity, each child takes home their own pumpkin-scented playdough, a 4-H brochure, and real pumpkin seeds to plant at home.
This fall, the program has reached five elementary schools across Caldwell County, engaging approximately 500 students in hands-on, research-based agricultural learning. Through programs like this, Caldwell County 4-H continues to expand its impact in local schools, helping youth discover the science and wonder of agriculture in a fun and hands-on way. If you are a teacher or have a student in a class that would enjoy any of our various school enrichment programs, please reach out to Caldwell County 4-H Agent Gabby Whorley, whose contact info is below!
We also have several events coming up this fall that everyone can be a part of! Please add these to your calendar:
● October 24th: 4-H Fall Fest
● November 8th: Caldwell County Ag and Trade Expo
To learn more about how youth can participate in 4-H or what is currently offered locally, contact Caldwell County 4-H Agent Gabby Whorley at glwhorle@ncsu.edu or call (828)757-1258. Families can also view local 4-H information online at caldwell.ces.ncsu.edu.
Caldwell County 4-H is a proud member agency of United Way. Gabby Whorley is the 4-H Youth Development Agent with Caldwell County Cooperative Extension. The Caldwell County Cooperative Extension Center, 120 Hospital Ave. NE #1 in Lenoir provides access to resources of N.C. State University and N.C. A&T State University through educational programs and publications.
