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

A teacher guide, interactive web site, CD-Rom, and student worksheets are available ON A LOAN BASIS ONLY. The Extension office will provide fertile eggs and an incubator. If the school wishes to keep the chicks past hatching, they will need to provide a brooder box and chick starter feed (or chicks can go back to the farmer). Fill out the educational program request form to reserve materials.