Embryology
Hatching Chicks in the Classroom
Many local Virginia Cooperative Extension Offices participate in the 4-H Embryology Project in which teachers hatch chicken eggs in the classroom or school library. Students are given the opportunity to track the growth and development of chickens from embryo to hatchlings. They learn about the phases of animal life cycles and then may have the opportunity to adopt chicks and further their study into animal care and nutrition which allows them to track the energy cycle through an in-depth and hands-on study of the food web and relationships between producers, consumers, and decomposers. Embryology is a fascinating way to allow your child to level up in his or knowledge of the life cycle and personal responsibility in caring for animals.
Before embarking upon the Embryology Unit, please, have a plan in place for where your chicks will go upon completion of this unit. Chicks may be adopted by teachers, students, local farmers, or others if agreed upon in advance.
Embryology Resources and Curriculum
Chemical Changes-Shrunken Egg - Brittany Council-Morton and Dr. Erika Bonnett
Fertile or Infertile - Brittany Council-Morton and Dr. Erika Bonnett
Virginia 4-H Beginning of Life Curriculum
University of Florida Classroom Embryology Curriculum (good graphics and charts for younger grades)
Incubator Instructions- Styrofoam incubator instructions PDF
Setting up an Incubator: Video - Lenah Nguyen, 4-H Agent
Embryo Development Poster
Can be used to help students track the stages of their embryo's development.
Where Do Eggs Come From
Ohio State University Extension takes you through an entertaining video that explores where eggs come from and why you will never find a chick in your grocery store eggs.
The Incredible Infertile Egg
Ohio State University Extension explain the difference between a fertilized egg and an unfertilized egg. Watch as you also get a lesson on how to candle an egg to see what's inside without cracking it.
Incubator Setup
All the Parts in the Right Places
Follow along with Dinwiddie 4-H Agent Hannah Bishop as she shows you the proper way to assemble your plastic incubation kit.
Humidity is No Sweat
Dinwiddie 4-H Agent Hannah Bishop shows how to properly set the correct humidity for your incubator.
Candling
Candling 101
Hannah Bishop shows you how to candle your eggs so you can track the growth and development of your chicken eggs.
Candling
Watch how the eggs are developing during week two of incubation. 4-H Agent Hannah Bishop shows you more.
Now That You Have Chicks!
The Brooder
Hannah shows how to care for your newly hatched chicks.
Determining Sex: The Wing Test
Hannah shows how to look at the wings of your chicks to determine the sex of your birds.
Disclaimer: Commercial products and services are named in this publication for informational purposes only. Virginia Cooperative Extension does not endorse these products or services and does not intend discrimination against other products or services which also may be suitable.
If you have any questions or concerns about this page, please contact 4-H Agent, Jonette Mungo at jonetm4@vt.edu.