University of Illinois Extension - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

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In 2012, the 4-H Incubation and Embryology Project trained more than 315 teachers with nearly 25,000 students in grades K-12 participating in the program. More than 90% of the teachers reported that after this unit of embryology more than half of their class likes science, feels that they are good at science, and finds science interesting. The Incubation and Embryology Project engages students in science while also building their confidence in school. One teacher noted, "Even students who usually don't produce quality written work were eager to write neatly in their observation journals each day. They were curious and excited to learn about the developing embryo." Learn more...

Over the past year, six University of Illinois Extension Educators have begun working from the University of Illinois agricultural research centers located across Illinois. These research centers provide important regional data on crop growth and cattle production for farmers in different areas of the state. Learn more...

In urban communities, where there are fewer opportunities to learn how to cook with fresh food and fast food is easily accessible, childhood obesity is an increasingly alarming medical concern. University of Illinois Extension and the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) have partnered to counter this problem by creating the program "Wise Up Kids Cooking Camp," a free cooking class for children ages 6-14 in the greater East St. Louis metropolitan area. Learn more...

Energy companies are moving into Illinois to lease land for oil and gas extraction through hydraulic fracturing, affecting up to 25 counties in southern Illinois. To help landowners assess lease offers, University of Illinois Extension has developed an Energy Initiative to teach property owners about the impact of hydraulic fracturing on their land and community. Adam Feig, County Director explained, "We're getting information to landowners before they sign a lease." Landowners may feel pressure to sign a lease quickly. Extension wants landowners to be aware of how important it is to take the time to consult a trusted attorney. "A lease could last for generations," said Feig, "We don't want them to get stuck in a bad lease." Learn more...

Fourth graders in the Joliet Public School District are learning how to grow their own food and appreciate nature through the Kids 'n Nature Adventures program. Students spend 27 weeks in the program, cultivating and caring for their own garden, while learning to have fun outside. According to Nancy Kuhajda, Extension Program Coordinator, this program develops important personal values such as "patience, cooperation, leadership, and teamwork. Students learn about where their food comes from." Learn more...

Twenty-nine high school youth taught over 200 younger youth in the 4-H National Youth Science Day (NYSD) Eco-Bot Challenge as a part of their "4-H Ag Science Day" in Ullin, IL. In the Eco-Bot challenge, youth were challenged to use cups and straws to manipulate the Ecobot's movement and creatively design what they believed would be the most effective barriers in helping the Ecobot clean up an oil spill. Learn more...

At ag research centers throughout Illinois, Extension educators have had a firsthand opportunity to partner in or observe studies conducted by campus specialists and their researchers. Learn more...

Safety and accuracy are essential when it comes to applying crop-protection chemicals -- on land or in the air. Every year, U of I Extension staff conduct fly-ins to address the special needs of aerial applicators. Learn more...

4-Hers throughout Illinois learn time management, budgeting, record-keeping and decision-making all contributing to workforce development. They learn to conduct a meeting as well as make plans for club and county activities. Members give a talk or demonstration about their project; this simple requirement builds confidence and gradually builds communication skills developing those skills employers look for in new hires. Learn more...

"Whether working with homeowners, growers, or monitoring statewide concerns, the U of I Plant Clinic's goal is to help people make informed and responsible decisions on how to treat plant diseases and pests," explained Suzanne Bissonnette, Plant Diagnostic Clinic and IPM Coordinator. The Clinic's diagnostic expertise eliminates the guessing game for homeowners and farmers, reducing the use of unnecessary, costly and harmful pesticide use. Learn more...

Early detection of pests and diseases in soybean crops is important for growers to anticipate and properly treat problems that develop in their fields. Several organizations, including University of Illinois Extension, Illinois Natural History Survey, and Illinois Soybean Association have created a network to monitor pests and diseases that helps growers remain aware of potential emerging problems. Learn more...

Sign languages are one of the oldest forms of communication in the world and are unlike spoken languages in that they are three-dimensional languages in motion. The modern sign language used in North America has been standardized by the American Sign Language, also known as ASL. Learn more...

ExCEL – Extension Cares for Every Learner – is an out-of-school program that provides both 4-H enrichment programing and tutoring for K-8 students in struggling school districts. This program provides opportunities for both personal and academic development to over 450 students at five schools in Cahokia and Madison school districts. As the only 4-H program available in these areas, ExCEL provides students opportunities to develop new interests, skills, and areas of study. Learn more...

Military families reside in every Illinois county, with more than 30,000 military youth living in the state. To meet the needs of these geographically dispersed military families, Illinois Extension, 4-H, and other organizations such as the Illinois National Guard and Army partner together. Learn more...

With more than 222,300 Illinois residents over the age of 65, Alzheimer's disease, memory loss, and dementia are common concerns for everyone. To address this issue, University of Illinois Extension Family Life Educators have developed three programs – Building a Better Memory for Everyday Life, FIT WITS (Fostering Improved Thinking While Incorporating Training Strategies) and Head Strong – to teach participants what to expect with memory as we age, and strategies to enhance memory. Learn more...

University of Illinois Extension is dedicated to providing access to vital information and resources for our customers anytime and anywhere. By eliminating the barriers of time, distance, location, and socioeconomic status, individuals can now take charge of their own lifelong learning. Learn more...

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Lake/McHenry Unit

Lake/McHenry Unit

A collection of Hispanic recipes recommended for people with diabetes

Find out how annual flowers can brighten your garden.

Online courses to train 4-H volunteers.

Learn how to plan, nurture and enjoy the benefits of a beautiful flower or vegetable garden.

A guide for growing, harvesting, and exhibiting vegetables.

A wonderful library of links to forestry information and management references for citizens, students, teachers, landowners, environmental groups, natural resource managers, foresters, and loggers.

A guide to the variety of tax breaks available to make higher education more affordable.

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