Sangamon-Menard Extension Unit
4-H Project Activities and
Exhibit Requirements
Project: Electricity 1, Magic of Electricity
Suggested for: Beginner Level
Latest Starting Date: May 1
Recommended Project Activities:
• Make a flashlight, a switch, or a simple circuit.
• Find out about magnetism and make a compass.
• Build a motor.
• Attend the project training school if offered.
• Give a talk or demonstration related to the project.
• Complete your Project Planning Sheet.
Project Exhibit Requirements:
(May only be battery-powered projects using battery components
and wiring). Projects using paper clips, cardboard, thumbtacks, &
brads are not eligible for state fair exhibits.
It is strongly suggested that members use recommended construction details,
including proper color coding, provided by the Energy Education Council
(EEC) on the EEC 4-H website: http://www.energyedcouncil.org/4-H.html.
Exhibit a momentary switch, simple switch, or basic circuit OR
an Electromagnet OR a Galvanometer OR an Electric motor. All projects
must include a report explaining how the project was constructed and the
principles demonstrated. Displays are limited to 2’ wide x 15” deep.
Recommendations can be found on the website listed above.
EXHIBIT ELIGIBLE FOR STATE FAIR -- 4-H member must be 10 years of
age by September 1 of the current 4-H year to exhibit at the State Fair.
NEW – National 4-H Engineering Challenge – State Fair will be selecting two
4-H members exhibiting superior electricity projects to represent Illinois at the
2011 National 4-H Engineering Challenge. To be eligible for this national
event, exhibitors must be 14 years of age as of 1/1/2011 and be willing to
participate fully in the national event scheduled for September 25-27 at Purdue
University.
REVISED 1/2011