Taking embryology from the classroom to life on the farm

Excitement was high at elementary schools across the county in late March as students anticipated the hatching of their baby chicks. This was the end result of a three-week long project that was a cooperative effort between Richmond County 4-H and Richmond County Schools. “Embryology in the Classroom” is part of 4-H school enrichment projects. The goal of 4-H school enrichment is to provide quality hands-on learning experiences for the students that align with the curriculum for their grade level. After the teachers were trained on this project, the incubators, eggs, and other necessary equipment were delivered to each of the thirty-four second grade classrooms in the county with help from our sponsors: United Way of Richmond County and Richmond County Farm Bureau. On the 18th day, excitement was growing as the students turned the eggs for the last time. The students knew the chicks would hatch soon. On the 20th day, many of the chicks started to pip through the shell. One child in particular was so engaged in the chicks hatching that he asked his teacher if he could go back early from lunch and skip recess so he could be on egg watch. His teacher told me that he sat at the desk right next to the incubator so he could watch a chick hatch. The excitement was not limited to just one student. As I arrived at the classrooms on the day the chicks were hatching, the teachers and students were overjoyed. Students and teachers both told me this project was their favorite part of the school year. This project was a lot of fun and a valuable learning experience for the students. The students also developed life skills related to scientific processes, teamwork, record keeping, and planning. This was an experience that 597 students will never forget. After hatching at the schools, several 4-H families have taken on the responsibility of raising the birds as their 4-H poultry project.