4-H Embryology teaches students about science and respect for life as they hatch chicks in the classroom. During this month-long program, students study the development of the chicken embryo inside the egg, take the responsibilities of caring for the fertilized eggs, and then care for the chicks after they have hatched.  Following each session, the hatched birds are returned to local poultry farmers.

The Manatee County 4-H Office provides equipment, fertilized eggs, training, and curriculum to guide your class through the 21-day hatching process and a week of raising the chicks in your class after they hatch. Curriculum is designed for 3rd  - 8th graders.

Embryology is a time-sensitive program as you need to be in the classroom from start to finish to take care of the eggs and chicks (not available over holiday breaks)! Check with the 4-H office about available start dates.

• Learn more about the Embryology Program by checking out some of our statewide resources and videos.

The Ag-Venture program is a part of Manatee County's Farm City Week held each fall. The program provides third grade students in Manatee County with opportunities to interact with local farmers, agricultural educators, and extension professionals through hands-on agricultural awareness activities during a field trip to the Manatee County Fairgrounds. As a part of the program, teachers are also provided with an educational kit that includes 6 hands-on classroom lessons to prepare students for their visit to Ag-Venture at the Manatee County Fairgrounds.

• Please contact us if you would be interested in joining this program for the Fall of 2025! 

• If your school needs funding for busses we may be able to help with that as well.

The 4-H Public Speaking School Enrichment Program is designed to give 4th-, 5th- and 6th-grade students experience in the preparation and delivery of a speech. There is an elementary school competition for 4th- and 5th-grade students, and a middle school competition for 6th-grade students.  

Manatee County 4-H, with the help of the Florida 4-H Program, Florida Power & Light, and Bradenton Kiwanis provide all materials for the programs including lesson plans, rubrics, parent letters, and awards. Teachers help their students at the classroom level write and deliver a 2-3 minute speech on a topic of their choice. Each participating teacher should plan to spend approximately one week on the program in their classroom. 

School registrations for the Public Speaking Program are open December/January of each school year. Reach out to us to register for 2026! 

For more information about how the program works, see the descriptions of each program level below:

Herpetology is a new program which introduces students to the captivating world of reptiles and amphibians. Engage in hands-on activities, record observations, and examine real specimens. Explore classification, metamorphosis, adaptations, and gain a newfound appreciation for why some of the most misunderstood creatures are truly the most intriguing!

This program is flexible in terms of its duration. A 4-H professional will visit your classroom to lead two to three lessons, and teachers will lead five, 45-minute lessons. Unlike our other school enrichment programs, the schedule for these lessons is not time-sensitive. Curriculum is designed for 3rd  - 8th graders.

• Contact the office for more information!