What is a Demonstration?
When: February
A demonstration is teaching someone how to do something. It is a combination of a speech and an exhibit
and it’s a lot of fun!
NO LIVE ANIMALS MAY BE USED IN THE DEMONSTRATION.
Steps in Creating a 4-H Demonstration
Step 1: Choose a 4-H project area (*see back for topics and projects). Make sure you choose
something that you like and know about. You may have to answer questions.
Step 2: Plan your demonstration. Think about what you will be teaching and what you can show.
Make sure you have all the materials and equipment needed to perform your demonstration
AND you have a speech prepared that explains your demonstration.
Step 3: Put it all together.
o You will need at least one 14 X 22 inch poster (it can be larger).
The poster must have:
 A title.
 A list of materials needed for the demonstration.
 And the steps followed in order to complete the demonstration.
 On the BACK write: your Name, County, Grade, and Project Area.
o You will also need the materials to perform your demonstration.
o And a 3-5 minute speech that explains your demonstration.
Step 4: Don’t forget the parts! You need an introduction, then show us “how to” do your
demonstration, and finally wrap up everything you have taught with a conclusion.
Research Your Topic. Get all the information and facts you will need. Check your 4-H Project book, newspapers,
reliable magazines, book and the internet. Don’t forget your parents. Go to the library; make sure your information
is accurate and up to date.
A demonstration should have three parts:
1. An Introduction – Use a catchy title to get the attention of the audience. Then tell briefly what you are
showing and why it is important.
2. The Main Body –Show and tell your project step by step. Talk while you are demonstrating each step. You
can also tell a related personal experience, be sure to build to a climax. Make sure your materials are
organized so the audience can see what you are doing.
3. Conclusion or Summary – Briefly repeat the MAIN POINTS of your demonstration. Tell where you got
your information. Then ask for questions from the judges. Summarize only the “Big Ideas” – the things you
want your audience to remember the longest. Be sure to:
1. Clear your table of all but the finished product.
2. Display the product attractively.
3. Review important points.
4. Ask for questions.
5. If you do not know the answer to a question, admit so and offer to research information to answer
the question and send the judge the answer. Then make sure to do it!
Demonstration Topics by Project
Project
Demo
Examples
Project
Demo
Examples
Project
Demo
Examples
Project
Demo
Examples
Project
Demo
Examples
Project
Demo
Examples
Project
Demo
Examples
Beef
Citizenship
Clothing & Textiles
1. How to give a calf a
shot.
2. How to ear tag a
calf.
3. How to bottle feed a
calf.
Companion Animal
(dog, cat, rabbit)
1. How to fold a flag.
2. How to clean coins.
Computers &
Technology
Consumer
Education/Economics
Dairy
1. How to groom your
dog or cat.
2. How to care for
your rabbit.
Electric
1. How to clean a
keyboard.
2. How to use a compass.
3. How to use a GPS.
Engineering/Safety
Science
1. How to make a
homemade fire
extinguisher.
2. How to make a first aid
kit.
3. How to make playdough.
Goat
1. How to write a check.
2. How to balance a
budget.
1. How to groom a
dairy heifer for show.
2. How to select Dairy
cattle for show.
Food Science
1. How to groom a show
goat.
2. How to milk a goat.
1. How to braid a
horse’s mane.
2. How to clean tack.
3. How to determine a
Horse’s age by teeth.
1. How to raise
vegetables.
2. How to plant
flowers.
Nutrition, Health &
Fitness
1. How to use a
glucometer.
2. How to make a
healthy snack
Performing Arts &
Recreation
1. How to play an
instrument.
2. How to clog.
Poultry
1. How to candle eggs.
2. How to select birds
for show.
3. How to select feed for
your chickens.
Sheep
1. How to shear a
sheep.
2. How to groom a
sheep for show.
1. How to make a
homemade flashlight.
2. How to read a
meter.
3. How to measure
wattage.
Forestry, Wildlife &
Fisheries
1. How to plant a tree.
2. How to rig a fishing
lure.
3. How to catch a
snake.
Leadership/Personal
Line & Design
Development
1. How to set a table.
1. How to crochet.
2. How to set goals.
2. How to draw.
3. How to origami.
4. How to make a bird
feeder.
Photography
Plant Science
1. How to take a
1. How to prune trees or
digital photo.
shrubs.
2. How a camera
2. How to graft fruit trees.
works.
3. How to frame and
matte photos.
Swine
Veterinary Science
1. How to select a feed 1. How to give an animal a
for your pig.
shot.
2. How to ear notch a
2. How to deworm an
hog.
animal.
1. How to replace a
button.
2. Select clothes that
match.
3. How to iron clothes.
Communication /
Public Speaking
1. How to write a
speech.
2. How to write and
address a letter.
Entomology
1. How to identify
insects.
2. How to control insect
pests in your house.
Horse
1. How to make a
sandwich.
2. How to pack a
picnic.
Horticulture/Garden