MSU Extension Virtual Learning Showcase & Auctions

Classes in this department will be evaluated based on videos and/or pictures. Videos should be no longer than 90 seconds and should be continuous in nature with no narrative. The exhibitors should utilize the camera person as the judge, moving the animal away and around the camera person as they would in a show ring. The video should include all angles of the animal in order for a judge to make an evaluation. Exhibitor should be in the video at all times. Show clothes typical for industry is recommended. One photo of exhibitor and project is required and up to four additional photos or pdf of project are recommended. More information on how to take a good photo and video can be found at the MSU Extension Virtual Learning showcase and auction website. All videos must be uploaded to Youtube and link entered into the system. Youtube channel should be set to unlisted.

CONSERVATION

Rules:

1. Exhibits include processes to improve and preserve our natural resources and the environment. Exhibits may include the following examples but are not limited to those listed. Earth – some topic examples are basic ecology, ecosystems, limiting factors, succession, land use, factors that affect land use, waste management, pre-cycling, recycling/upcycling, NREE training, solid waste, pollution and toxic waste. Water – some topic examples are water supply, water sanitation, water uses, water needs, water quality, wetlands and acid rain. Soil – some topic examples are types of soil, land care, erosion, land management, crop rotation, ground cover use, composting and worm farming. Forestry – some topic examples are leaf, bark or seed collection (minimum 15 different samples, collected, labeled and mounted by exhibitor), tree trunk cross section, wood types and their uses, rain forests and forest management. Weather – some topic examples are weather makers, clouds, storms and weather related equipment.
   
   1. 70-Conservation Earth, ages 8-12
   2. 70-Conservation Earth, ages 13-19
   3. 70-Conservation Water, ages 8-12
   4. 70-Conservation Water, ages 13-19
   5. 70-Conservation Soil, ages 8-12
   6. 70-Conservation Soil, ages 13-19
   7. 70-Conservation Forestry, ages 8-12
   8. 70-Conservation Forestry, ages 13-19
   9. 70-Conservation Weather, ages 8-12
   10. 70-Conservation Weather, ages 13-19

WILDLIFE STUDIES

Rules:

1. Exhibits focusing on animals and or their habitats. Wildlife – some topic examples are habitat for wildlife including food and cover, animal tracks, wildlife in your area, in-depth study of a species, problems involving wildlife, bird watching, bird, bat or butterfly houses and taxidermy projects. Fisheries – some topic examples are kinds of fish, in-depth study of a fish species, fish management, fish farming ,types of fishing, types of lures or fishing poles and commercial fishing. Beekeeping and Entomology – some topic examples are in-depth study of a species, types of honey, beeswax, bug collection, insects’ habitats, ant farm or homemade equipment such as bug house or butterfly nets.
   
   1. Wildlife Studies - Wildlife creatures, ages 8-12
   2. Wildlife Studies - Wildlife creatures, ages 13-19
   3. Wildlife Studies - Fisheries, ages 8-12
   4. Wildlife Studies - Fisheries, ages 13-19
   5. Wildlife Studies - Beekeeping & Entomology, ages 8-12
   6. Wildlife Studies - Beekeeping & Entomology, ages 8-12

NATURAL PLANT LIFE

Rules:

1. All plants should be listed by common, Latin or scientific name and family. Do not pick flowers on the Michigan Protection List. Mounted or photographed specimens. Information must include Common, Latin and family name, date seen / picked, color, location and if it can be picked, uses and legends.
   
   1. 70-Natural Plant Life Native plants or wildflowers, ages 8-12
   2. 70-Natural Plant Life Native plants or wildflowers, ages 13-19

OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES

Rules:

1. Challenge or survival activities that take place outside. Exhibits can include topics such as: survival skills i.e. fire building, safety, emergency procedures, tent pitching or lashing, wall/rock climbing, caving, food & nutrition such as camping menus or foods or orienteering. You can also include leadership experience such as planning and/or coordinating events for younger members in health, safety, emergency procedures or conservation.
   
   1. 70-Outdoor Experiences Outdoor Experiences, ages 8-12
   2. 70-Outdoor Experiences Outdoor Experiences, ages 13-19