THE 4-H ELECTRIC PRESENTATION

The purpose of the 4-H Electric Demonstration/Presentation is to allow participants to demonstrate their
knowledge in the area of basic electricity, electric energy, conservation of energy, and other related
electrical principles and facts. The demonstration and/or presentation should share knowledge learned from
others such as electricians, science teachers, engineers, and professionals who work in the field of electricity.
The demonstration/presentation areas are divided into three age divisions:
 

Ages: 9 - 10

Ages: 11 - 13

Senior Ages: 14 - 18

Age determined as of January 1st. Contestants are judged according to the North Carolina 4-H Presentation
Score Sheet rules and guidelines. You are encouraged to obtain a copy of this form prior to competing in
either of the two divisions.

PRESENTATION AWARDS:

District Award: $75 Scholarships to State 4-H Congress for each of the following divisions:

• Ages: 9 - 10
• Ages: 11 - 13
• Ages: 14 - 18

The following information should be useful to you in your preparations for competing in the 4-H Electric
Presentation Area. Please use this information as a guide to helping you organize your presentation for
competition at the county, district and state levels. This information should serve as a foundation for your
presentation as you seek additional supportive materials.

Step I. Select a topic: Why is this topic important to know about? Who will benefit?

How will others use this information? Is this topic of interest to me?

TOPICS FOR PRESENTATIONS
(These are only a few examples you may use)

1. Demonstrate LED (Light Emitting Diodes)-
• Why do they work?
• How do they work?
• What are their uses?
2. Demonstrate and explain how computers use electricity for their operations.
3. Explain how solar energy is captured, stored and used.
4. Explain and demonstrate why magnets work.
5. Explain and demonstrate how energy savings devices operate.

Remember to choose one central theme, develop this theme thoroughly, be familiar with the terminology and
be well informed. This allows you to be prepared for the unexpected.

Step II. Selection of support materials: Materials used should support your topic.

The following questions should be asked:

• Will the judges be able to see my posters, wire, tools, etc?
• Do I know the proper way to use these tools?
• What references were used?

• Showing valance, cornice lights for home
• Extension cord repair or construction
• Portable heat-lamp holder for brooding chicks, pigs, and drying paint
• Unusual lamp (coke can, etc.)
• Care and maintenance of electric motors
• Portable floodlight for outdoor use, games, etc.
• Explain and demonstrate how to read a meter
• Explain and demonstrate wire sizes, volts, amps, and watts
• How to replace blown fuses and their purpose
• Explain and demonstrate what a circuit is (series & parallel)
• Explain, demonstrate, and make electromagnet (telegraph or bell, etc.)
• Make a model house or farmstead with lights or wiring to buildings
• Show how to reverse direction of electric motor
• Construct a model hotbed
• Show how to protect water pipes from freezing with heating tapes, etc.
• Explain and demonstrate radiant, conducted and convected heat and give
• examples
• Show how to make motor portable for use on several tools
• Make up board of wire splices
• Demonstrate effect of overload on an electric circuit
• Make test lights
• Microwave cooking (how it operates)
• Use and care of small appliances (choose one appliance)
• Care and use of electric hand tools (choose one)
• Choosing incandescent or fluorescent lamps (bulbs)
• Selection and care of lamps and lampshades (study lamp)
• Proper grounding of portable tools for safety
• The function of a "ground fault interrupter"
• Installing or replacing switches or receptacles