Electricity

Printer Friendly Version

Switch Instructions
Rocket Launcher Instructions
Electromagnet Instructions
Burglar Alarm Instructions
 

In this category 4-H members have the opportunity to create informational exhibits about the different aspects of electricity. Through involvement in this category 4-H members will be better educated about electricity and be able to present their knowledge to others. 

RULES:

  1. The name and county of each 4-H member should appear separately on the back of each board, poster or article and on the front cover of the notebooks so owner of the exhibit may be identified if the entry tag is separated from the exhibit.
  2. Demonstration boards should include an overall title for the display, plus other necessary labeling.
  3. Reports should be written using the scientific method whenever possible: 1. Hypothesis 2. Research 3. Experiment 4. Measure 5. Report or Redefine Hypothesis. All reports should be computer generated and enclosed in a clear plastic cover. The reports should be attached securely to the display.
  4. Please refer to the General Rules for the policy regarding firearms, items with a blade, and other related items.
  5. Please refer to the General Rules for the policy regarding the use of copywritten images.
  6. Premier 4-H Science Award is available in this area.
  7. Team Entries: To qualify for entry at the Nebraska State Fair for any team exhibit, the exhibit and all supporting information must clearly be the work of a team instead of an individual, and must have at least 50% of all team members enrolled in 4-H. Additionally, all enrolled 4-H members on the team should complete and attach an entry tag to the materials. A supplemental page documenting the individual contributions to the project should be included. The entry will be judged as a team, with all team members receiving the same ribbon placing.
  8. State Fair qualified videos, presentations and other electronic exhibits should be submitted to https://go.unl.edu/2025nesfstem by August 15th, 2025. Videos can be uploaded to a video streaming application and exhibitors MUST provide a hard copy QR code for viewing. 4-H members are encouraged to test their codes or links on several devices to check for appropriate permissions for public viewing
  9. Posters in this department can be any size up to 28 inches by 22 inches when ready for display. Example: trifold poster boards are not 28 inches by 22 inches when fully open for display. 
  10. Several classes require a display board which should be a height of 24 inches and not to exceed 1/4-inch thickness. A height of 24 7/8 inches is acceptable to allow for the saw kerf (width) if two 24-inch boards are cut from one end of a 4 foot by 8-foot sheet of plywood. Nothing should be mounted within 3/4 inch of the top or bottom of the board. (Example: Woodworking & Electricity.) 
  • Fabricated boards such as plywood, composition board, or particle-type lumber may be used for demonstration displays. 
  • Demonstration boards should be sanded and finished to improve their appearance. The finish on a demonstration board will be judged as a woodworking exhibit. 
  • Demonstration boards should include an overall title for the display, plus other necessary labeling. 
  • Reports should be written using the scientific method whenever possible (1. Hypothesis 2. Research 3. Experiment 4. Measure 5. Report or Redefine Hypothesis). All reports should be computer generated and enclosed in a clear plastic cover. The reports should be attached securely to the display.  
  1. If the project (i.e. picnic tables, wishing wells, swings, chairs, bridges, doghouses, etc.) is designed to be used outside, it will be displayed outside. 
  2. All outside projects MUST have entry tag and supporting information placed in a protective bag to prevent damage from weather events such as rain and be ATTACHED to projects with string, zip ties, etc. 

Entries per Individual - One entry per exhibitor per class. Limit of 4 entries per exhibitor per project.

All static exhibits must have received a purple ribbon at the county fair to advance to the State Fair. 

Premier 4-H Science Award is available in this area. Please see General Information for more details.

Scoresheets and additional resources can be found at https://go.unl.edu/ne4hstem.

Recommended QR Code Generator: https://www.qr-code-generator.com/  

ELECTRICITY - MAGIC OF ELECTRICITY - UNIT 1 (**Denotes NOT State Fair Eligible)

PREMIUMS: Purple, $4.00; Blue, $3.00; Red, $2.00 and White, $1.00 (Scoresheet CF224)

**H870901         Switch (see page 13 of manual for instructions, also available at https://go.unl.edu/knoxcounty4helectricity)

**H870902         Electromagnet (see page 29 of manual for instructions, also available at https://go.unl.edu/knoxcounty4helectricity)

ELECTRICITY - INVESTIGATING ELECTRICITY - UNIT 2 (**Denotes NOT State Fair Eligible) 

PREMIUMS: Purple, $4.00; Blue, $3.00; Red, $2.00 and White, $1.00 (Scoresheet CF225)

**H870903         Rocket Launcher - Build a rocket launcher and create a poster using photographs to show the "step by step process" you used to build your launcher (instructions available at the Extension Office and at https://go.unl.edu/knoxcounty4helectricity).

**H870904         Burglar Alarm - Build a burglar alarm and create a poster using photographs to show the "step by step process" you used to build your alarm (see page 33 of manual for instructions, also available at https://go.unl.edu/knoxcounty4helectricity).

ELECTRICITY - WIRED FOR POWER - UNIT 3

PREMIUMS: Purple, $4.00; Blue, $3.00; Red, $2.00; and White, $1.00

H870001           Electrical Tool/Supply Kit (Scoresheet SF224) - Create an electrical supply kit to be used for basic electrical repair around the house. Include a brief description of each item and its use. The Container should be appropriate to hold items.

H870002           Lighting Comparison (Scoresheet SF225) - Display studying the efficiency of various lighting (incandescent, fluorescent, halogen, Light Emitting Diodes, etc.). Exhibit could be a poster display or an actual item.

H870003           Electrical Display/Item (Scoresheet SF226) - Show an application of one of the concepts learned in the Wired for Power project. Examples include: re-wiring or building a lamp, re-wiring or making a heavy-duty extension cord or developing an electrical diagram of a house. Exhibit could be a poster display or an actual item.

H870004           Poster (Scoresheet SF227) - Poster should exemplify one of the lessons learned in the Wired for Power project. 

ELECTRICITY - ELECTRONICS - UNIT 4

PREMIUMS: Purple, $4.00; Blue, $3.00; Red, $2.00; and White, $1.00

H870005           Electrical/Electronic Part Identification (Scoresheet SF228) - Display different parts used for electrical/electronic work. The exhibit should show the part (either picture or actual item) and give a brief description, including symbol of each part and its function. Display should include a minimum of 10 different parts.

H870006           Electronic Display (Scoresheet SF229) - Show an application of one of the concepts learned in the Entering Electronics project. Examples include: components of an electronic device (refer to page 35 of the Electronic manual).

H870007           Electronic Project (Scoresheet SF230) - Exhibit an electronic item designed by the 4-H’er or from a manufactured kit that shows the electronic expertise of the 4-H’er. Examples include: a radio, a computer, or a voltmeter.

H870008           Poster (Scoresheet SF231) - Poster should exemplify one of the lessons learned in the Entering Electronics project. 

Knox County Fairbook