The bird egg is a marvel of nature. What is more fascinating than to see a fully developed baby chick emerge from an egg? Just three weeks of incubating transforms a seemingly lifeless chicken egg into an active, living being.

This hands-on 4-H project offers additional science enrichment as part of the regular school program, or can be undertaken as an independent study. This program is designed to give youth the opportunity to hatch chicks in their own classroom. Students will learn to prepare the eggs and set up the incubator. During the 21 day incubation time, children will keep daily records of progress, turn the eggs, and test eggs for fertility.

Instructional Materials

Illinois will be utilizing a new embryology curriculum for grades 2 – 8 as part of the teacher training. It will include reference to an interactive web site, a new CD-Rom program, as well as a teacher guide with student worksheets.

4-H will provide a teacher guide for grades 2-5 and 6-8. Supplemental materials will be available for grade K-1. 4-H will also provide incubator, educational kit, brooder and chick starter feed. Fertile eggs will also be ordered, but classrooms are asked to pay a fee of $16 for 2 dozen eggs. chicks.

A special workshop designed to instruct teachers on how to teach embryology will be held for new teachers at the Extension Office from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. First time participants are required to attend this session. Pre-registration is required!

Illinois State Goals & Learning Standards

01A. Apply word analysis and vocabulary skills to comprehend selections.

01B. Apply reading strategies to improve understanding and fluency.

01C. Comprehend a broad range of reading materials.