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 project 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.

** PLEASE NOTE: In order to participate in this program, teachers must have attended the beginning Incubation and Embryology teacher training provided by U of I Extension. The advanced training is highly encouraged for those who have previously been trained and wish to have a refresher or to increase their classroom hatch rate.

Illinois State Goals & Learning Standards Addressed

• Goal #1A, C
• Goal #3A, C
• Goal #4A, B
• Goal #5A
• Goal #6C, D
• Goal #7A, B
• Goal #10A, B
• Goal #11A
• Goal #12A, B
• Goal #13A, B
• Goal #15B, C

Instructional Materials:

For teachers who have completed the beginning teacher training, a leader/teacher guide for grades 2-5 or 6-8 will be provided. Limited materials are available for grades K-1. In addition, a supplemental curriculum is provided for the study of incubation and embryonic development. For a fee, fertile eggs and chick feed can also be provided. Incubators are not provided.

A Beginning Embryology Teacher Training will be held on Tuesday, February 23, 2010. An Advanced Embryology Teacher Training will be held on Wednesday, March 3, 2010. Pre-registration for the trainings is required. Registration for the trainings will be online and available after January 6, 2010. There is a cost to participate in the trainings.

Fertile eggs for this program must be pre-ordered by Friday, March 5, 2010. They will be available for pick-up at the Extension Office on Tuesday, April 13, 2010.