Students can explore science and more with hatch chicks
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 with the annual 4-H Incubation and Embryology program in DuPage, Kane and Kendall 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," said Jo Ann Britton, a 4-H program coordinator with University of Illinois Extension. "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. We also offer training 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 when held virtually.
Registration is open for teacher training sessions and fertile egg orders for the 2021 4-H Incubation and Embryology program in DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties.
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 (three choices) - Feb. 9, Feb. 25 or March 9;
Advanced Teacher Training online (two choices) - 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 more about this program at go.illinois.edu/embryology4Hdkk.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact Jo Ann Britton at jbritton@illinois.edu or (630) 553-5823, or (217) 300-8666.
Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your access needs.