Hatch chicks to explore science and more with students

Which came first, the chicken or the egg? While we may never know that answer, thousands of area students better understand how an egg becomes a chick through the annual 4-H Incubation and Embryology program in Kendall, Kane and DuPage counties.

“This hands-on project is designed to give you and your students the opportunity to hatch chicks in their own learning environment, whether that is remote, hybrid or in-person this year,” Jo Ann Britton, a 4-H program coordinator with University of Illinois Extension said. “The project provides an engaging way to observe the life cycle, while practicing science, math, creative thinking and much more, and it aligns with state learning standards.”

During the 21-day incubation period, discussion points include how to prepare eggs, set up an incubator, record progress, turn eggs, and test eggs for fertility. Training is offered for educators who will be leading the project. This interactive opportunity has been successful in classrooms, home-school programs, libraries, and other educational settings, including those taught virtually.

Registration is open for teacher training sessions and fertile egg orders for the 2021 4-H Incubation and Embryology program. Important dates for this year’s program include:

• Deadline to register for teacher trainings and place fertile egg orders: Jan. 26.

• Beginner teacher training online: Feb. 9, 25 or March 9.

• Advanced teacher training online: Feb. 23 or March 16.

• Fertile egg pickup: April 12.

• Hatch week: May 3-7.

Online registration is required for both teacher training sessions and for egg orders. Learn about this program at go.illinois.edu/embryology4Hdkk. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, email Jo Ann Britton at jbritton@illinois.edu or call 630-553-5823 or 217-300-8666. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your access needs.