Sangamon-Menard Extension Unit
4-H Project Activities and
Exhibit Requirements
Project: Electricity 2, Investigating Electricity
Suggested for: Intermediate Level
Latest Starting Date: May 1
Recommended Project Activities:
• Build a series circuit and a parallel circuit.
• Build a 3-way switch.
• Test voltages.
• Label a circuit diagram.
• 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 Circuit board demonstrating parallel and series switches, including
a circuit diagram OR 3-way or 4-way switch circuit using DC/battery
OR Basic electrical device (examples: Rocket launcher, burglar alarm, etc).
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