Crazy About Corn: 4-H Materials Teach Kids Via Vegetable
Date: Nov. 11, 1997
Editor: D'Lyn Ford, (505) 646-6528, dlford@nmsu.edu
LAS CRUCES -- Kids across the country will soon be singing the "Blue Corn Blues" and visiting Frank-corn-stein's Castle as they learn from new 4-H materials developed at New Mexico State University.
"Gifts of Gold" uses corn as a theme to teach children about reading, science, health and agriculture. The materials include activity guides, a CD-ROM and audio and video tapes. The curriculum is the first accepted for 5- to 8-year-olds by the National 4-H Council. Traditional 4-H materials that reach ages 9 to 19 are being expanded with new materials for younger children.
"Gifts of Gold was accepted for the national 4-H curriculum library, which means it will be distributed all over the country," said Wendy Hamilton, youth development specialist with New Mexico State University's Cooperative Extension Service. "Kids in schools and after-school programs and 4-H clubs will all get to experience the Gifts of Gold curriculum."
The project was a collaboration involving five universities. It was funded with a $10,000 grant from Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc. and $40,000 from the 4-H Cooperative Curriculum Development System.
The materials, which were tested extensively with kids, take a fun-loving approach to subjects like hard science. For example, the CD-ROM lets children visit Frank-corn-stein's Castle, where they can make their own custom-designed corn by choosing colors and traits like big hair or curly feet. Other stops include a Corn-cert Hall, where kids can hear C.C. Corn and the Cobbettes or sing along to the "Blue Corn Blues."
Fifteen original songs written for the curriculum are included on both an audiocassette and the CD-ROM. A videotape shows activities for children and classes, including popcorn-making. A book, "Corn is Maize," helps children learn about corn's role in many cultures.
"This curriculum is unique because it gives kids many ways to learn -- activities where kids learn by doing, an interactive CD-ROM, songs and a video," says Barbara Chamberlin, a media specialist with agricultural communications, who helped develop the materials. "It helps kids learn by using all of their senses, and that's really important at this age."
All of the "Gifts of Gold" activities are designed to get parents, 4-H leaders, teachers and other adults involved with children. Three parent-teacher guides are included.
"The curriculum is good for home schools, science classes and day camps as well as 4-H groups and after-school programs," Hamilton said.
The National 4-H Council offers "Gifts of Gold" in its catalog. The guides, audiotape and "Corn is Maize" book are packaged together for $12. The CD and videotape are available separately for $10 each plus shipping. Copies may be purchased from NMSU's agricultural communications department. For information call toll-free, (888) 750-4156.