Close Resources

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu

Impacts

Contact Information

Craig Wood, Ph.D
Acting Associate Dean & Director
UK Cooperative Extension Service

S-107 Ag. Science Center North Lexington, KY 40546-0091

+1 (859) 257-4302

craig.wood@uky.edu




Fiscal Year:
Jul 1, 2021 - Jun 30, 2022


Success StoryIncubation and Embryology Programs Reinforce STEM Initiatives



Incubation and Embryology Programs Reinforce STEM Initiatives

Author: William Crawford

Planning Unit: Hardin County CES

Major Program: Poultry/Small Flocks

Plan of Work: Enhancing Life Skills through Youth Projects and Activities

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) initiative are at the forefront of current educational trends. Incubation studies utilizing candling to non-invasively view developing chicken embryos reinforces these principles. Candling involves the use of a bright light held to the large end of fertile egg, thus illuminating the blood vessels, eye and even the beating heart as early as three days into development. The highlight for many is being allowed to hold baby chicks after being taught how to do so in a way to provide a safe and secure environment.

Numerous collaborative partners including have been utilized to identify and connect with the target audience. One-on-one referrals from participants and suggested programming inclusion from other agents and assistant in the office lead to program expansion. Pre-school through special needs adults have benefited from this hands-on approach to learning. Specifically, head start programs, elementary school classes, clubs, high school vocational disciplines, extension day camps and care facilities for special needs adults all benefit from experiential education.

Between March and June of 2025, twenty-nine programs were conducted reaching nearly 600 stakeholders. While most programs are 30-40 minutes in length and are based on a powerpoint slide program including links to videos depicting chick development and hatching, some shorter ones rely purely on visual aids and interactive conversation. When the facility allows for lighting to be profoundly decreased, actual candling of eggs typically between 10-14 days of development is included. Program impact is measured from teacher feedback and continual reinforcement questioning of the participants. For example, a prime objective is for participants to learn that proper heat, humidity and egg rotation are essential for successful incubation.


.






Stories by William Crawford


Mums add End-of-Year Revenue for Minority Vegetable Grower

about 3 years ago by William Crawford

According to the 2017 USDA Census, black-operated farms accounted for 4.7 million acres of farmland,... Read More


Veteran Beginning Minority Urban Farmer Fights a Different Kind of Battle

about 3 years ago by William Crawford

According to the United States Department of Agricultures 2017 Census, black farmers account for onl... Read More


Stories by Hardin County CES


“Preparing Families for Holiday Spending thru the Use of Technology & Videos”

“Preparing Families for Holiday Spending thru the Use of Technology & Videos”

about 2 years ago by Chandra DeRamus

Success Story | December 2021Chandra DeRamus“Preparing Families for Holiday Spending thru the Use of... Read More


Empowering Youth Toward’s Tomorrow’s Future thru Life Skills Programs-March 2022

Empowering Youth Toward’s Tomorrow’s Future thru Life Skills Programs-March 2022

about 3 years ago by Chandra DeRamus

March 2022Over the last year the state of Kentucky has seen some changes in how things are done with... Read More