Embryology School Enrichment Unit

Embryology is the study of developing embryos and the hatching of avian eggs. In this unit, we take a scientific look at the overall process as it relates to chickens, talk through development, focus on the poultry industry, and compare chickens to other avian species. The highlight of the project is the opportunity for youth to experience live chick hatching and interaction with the animals post-hatch.

Why should a classroom participate in this project?

1. Embryology is a unique opportunity for a hands-on experience taught by Extension Professionals. Our Extension office provides classrooms with all the materials needed for the project, instructs classroom teachers on best practices for the procedures, provides 24/7 support throughout the unit, and facilitates the departure of the chicks from the classroom.
2. There is no cost for classrooms to participate! This happens due to a grant from Corteva Agriscience to help fund the project.

Science Standards

Another key interest is that the unit coincides with Science Standard SC.3.9 Inheritance and Variation; Life Cycles and Traits.

First Visit will happen on a Monday or Tuesday. This is when Extension will come into the classroom, talk through set up with youth/teachers, begin incubator warm-up, and discuss incubation of the eggs and breeds. Teachers will then place eggs in the incubator with youth on the following day after a 24-hour warm-up period. This visit will take approximately an hour.

Second Visit will happen on the following Friday at approximately 10 days of incubation. During this visit, classrooms will candle eggs checking for the viability of hatch. Youth will be able to see the growing embryo inside the egg and any yolker eggs (eggs that do not have a growing embryo) will be removed at that time. This visit will take approximately 45 minutes.

Third Visit will happen the following Friday at approximately 18 days of incubation. Youth will discuss a little about the poultry industry, along with participating in a game guessing which bird laid which egg. During this class favorite, Extension brings in 9 different eggshells for youth to guess which bird laid them. This allows for some youth comparison and intrigue. We will also unplug the egg rotator prior to the hatch. This visit will take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Fourth Visit will happen on the 4th Friday of the program. This visit includes a program wrap-up, evaluation, and removal of all chicks/supplies from the classroom. Birds will be returned to the Extension office and be distributed to local families as future egg layers/production birds. This visit will last approximately 45 minutes.

February 5th - February 29th

February 12th - March 8th

February 20th - March 15th

February 26th - March 22nd

March 4th - March 28th (Week of Easter Break - early chick pick up available)

March 11th - April 5th

March 25th - April 19th

April 2nd - April 25th

April 8th - May 3rd

April 15th - May 10th

There are 8 sets of incubators that can be used throughout the county. Make sure to register your classroom early to ensure you get optimal dates for your classroom. Contact will be made by the Extension Office to confirm your programming and to set up classroom visits.

Amanda Hackenkamp - Extension Assistant: amanda.hackenkamp@unl.edu

Location: 2345 North Nebraska Avenue, York, NE, USA
Phone: 402-362-5508