Embryology was a very sought after program within Nelson County. I had received many calls requesting this program before this grant was released. The program allows classrooms to check out an incubator, brooding box materials (if not provided by school), thermometers, candlers, a peeps calendar, and additional educational resources. 

The Chicken Embryology program was taught using the 4-H curriculum in collaboration with SNAP Ed curriculum to incorporate nutrition as well. Surveys indicated that greater than 75% of students increased their interest in science, increased inquiry skills (such as observation, comparing, measuring, and data recording), and demonstrated responsibility and a greater appreciation for living things due to this program. 

So far, this project involved 11 teachers, a 4-H agent, and an NEP Assistant. The teachers were able to lead this program from the resources provided by the Extension Office to their classrooms. One teacher was able to reach an entire grade as the classrooms switched subjects. It reached 1,200 students through the 11 teachers. This project will continue to reach additional teachers and classrooms as the materials are reusable.

Through the 21 day incubation period, teachers used the resources and guidance provided by the Nelson County 4-H Extension Agent in order to make the project a successful learning experience. The project was evaluated by 8 different teachers in 8 separate classrooms. The quantitative data was recorded and the results were as follows:

 • 6 out of 8 teachers reported that greater than 75% of their students increased their interest in the subject matter of science as a result of participating in the 4-H Embryology Project, the other 2 out of the 8 reported a 51-75% increase.

• 7 out of 8 teachers reported that greater than 75% of their students increased their science inquiry skills of observation, comparing, measuring, and data recording as a result of participating in the 4-H Embryology Project, the other 1 out of 8 reported a 51-75% increase.

• 7 out of 8 teachers reported that greater than 75% of their student’s demonstrated responsibility and a greater appreciation for living things as a result of participating in the 4-H Embryology Project. 1 teacher did not quantify.

 Hatched chicks were given to local farmers or neighbors with backyard chicken coups to be raised.

This program achieved the 3 goals that were outlined on the grant application. It was observed and reported through the teachers that students reached the following outcomes:

Goal 1: Provide a wide range of curriculum and educational resources for the clubs to utilize to reach club members’ varying levels of knowledge. 

Objective: purchase educational materials to be used to provide 6 hours of education to youth participants through club meetings, school enrichment, workshops and activities that accommodate varying levels of knowledge.

Outcome: Students received 6 hours of agricultural education through this embryology program. Because of the new materials, teachers were able to utilize age appropriate 4-H curriculum and resources to provide the 6 hours of research-based activities. This program was piloted with students ranging in age from preschool to up to 5^th grade.

Goal 2: Expand the reach of the Nelson County 4-H Poultry educational curriculum

Objective: partner with schools and other organizations to reach underserved audiences.

Outcome: The program partnered with 5 different schools and reached diverse audiences based on age, location, financial status, ethnicity, and race.

Goal 3: Inspire youth to explore a passion for agriculture and animal science

Objective: introduce poultry as a form of agriculture to youth that are not typically in contact with agriculture

Outcome: As mentioned previously—surveys indicated that greater than 75% of students increased their interest in science, increased inquiry skills (such as observation, comparing, measuring, and data recording), and demonstrated responsibility and a greater appreciation for living things due to this program.