Embryology with 4-H

What is embryology?

Embryology refers to the development of a chicken inside an egg, from a fertilized embryo to hatching.

What is the 4-H embryology program?

4-H embryology is a 24 day long program where fertilized chicken eggs are incubated and hatched in an incubator.

How does it work?

4-H Extension Staff provide research based information from NC State and train teachers and educators on how to successfully incubate and hatch chicken eggs. The extension office supplies the training, additional educational resources for classroom use, an incubator and other necessary materials for hatching, and fertilized chicken eggs. The hatched chicks are returned to the extension office afterwards, as they typically are vaccinated then go back to the farmer that supplied the eggs.

Embryology session/dates:

You may only sign up for one session of embryology, not both, as we want to supply this opportunity to as many students as possible.Additionally, teachers must be able to check the eggs/chicks daily, Monday-Friday, for the entire 4 week session. If your class will be out of school for a break during the embryology session, someone needs to still be able to go to the school and check on the eggs. If that is not possible, do not sign up for a session where there will be conflicts. Once dates are set and your class is signed up, either the classroom teacher or a parent/volunteer for the class must be able to pick up/drop off all required materials on the designated dates.

When does embryology occur?

In Mecklenburg County, embryology usually occurs in the spring. However, this can vary year to year. Please join the 4-H mailing list to receive updates about the embryology program.

How can my class participate in embryology?

Join the 4-H mailing list to receive updates about when the embryology program will occur and sign up details. We also recommend following our Instagram and Facebook as well. Lastly, you can reach out to 4-H Agent Isaiah Barco at ibbarco@ncsu.edu with any additional questions or concerns. This is a popular program and with limited materials the sign up can fill up quick.

Why should I do 4-H embryology?

Embryology gives students an amazing, hands-on opportunity to learn about the life cycle. Plus, by doing embryology with 4-H, you receive all the necessary equipment to incubate eggs and educational resources from NC State University. The extension staff coordinate all the materials and source fertilized eggs so that you are not responsible for buying an incubator or trying to find the right eggs.

What age/grade is embryology designed for?

Embryology from NC State Extension is ideal for 2nd graders, though we welcome all elementary grades to participate. Most recently, we even had a high school participate. We are one to having other grades participate so long as they understand the curriculum is specifically not designed for their age and they may have to make their own adaptations.