Thanks to the 2022 Kentucky 4-H Foundation Agriculture Mini-Grant Program Pulaski County 4-H was able to “hatch” a new program for our school enrichment clubs. Agent Erica Spurgeon was awarded a mini grant to start an Embryology in the Classroom program. The grant allowed us to purchase incubators, brooder supplies, and curriculum for our local schools to use. Fertilized chicken eggs were donated by Mike Ford of the University of Kentucky’s poultry research facility.

On March 3, 2022 fertilized eggs, incubators, and curriculum were distributed to eight local schools. Youth learned how to set up an incubator and care for eggs as they developed over a 21 day period. Youth candled eggs periodically to watch for growth. Throughout the incubation period, agents Erica Spurgeon and Jennifer Cole visited classrooms and taught lessons on the parts of an egg. Youth learned to identify all the parts of an egg and label them on a diagram. Educators were able to utilize the provided embryology curriculum in the classroom during each stage of development.

On March 17, 2022 brooder supplies were delivered to each classroom. Students and teachers set up the brooders in preparation for the arrival of chicks. Youth learned the basics of chick care, such as temperature regulation, diet, and how to check chick vents.

Between March 24-26, 2022 classrooms welcomed their chicks into the world! Educators reported that students were overcome with excitement as their chicks hatched. For many of them, this was their first experience seeing an egg hatch. Each classroom enjoyed the project so much that they decided to keep chicks in their classrooms for observation for a few days longer. Several of the schools livestreamed the hatching of their chicks schoolwide.

This program was so rewarding and we were able to impact 1,272 youth in Pulaski County.

“If you will be offering this program next year, please go ahead and put my class on your list!” – 4^th grade teacher

“The kids have loved this project so much. Every day they immediately check their eggs when they arrive. Count us in for next year.” -4^th grade teacher

“We livestreamed our chicks hatching. When the first chick emerged from the shell you could hear the entire school cheering!” -4^th grade teacher

“We have all enjoyed this program and I want to do it again next year. The kids have enjoyed sharing the responsibility of caring for the eggs and checking the incubator. They have learned a lot.” -1^st grade teacher

Poultry and Eggs are the number one Agricultural Commodity in Kentucky. Youth understanding where their food comes from and exploring future careers in agriculture is vital.

Students observe newly hatched chicks as they warm under brooder lights. A first grade student practices safe chick handling as the class learns about chicks and hygiene.