It is the beginning of life and it starts from one single cell. Whether a reptile, a bird, mammal or human, the evolution of our growth is similar and can be related to and witnessed through the 4-H Embryology Project. In the book Early Embryology of the Chick, Fourth Edition, written by Bradley M. Patten, the introduction states very eloquently that the Embryology Project allows participants to see “growth processes that hold something definite and tangible in answer to that ever recurring question, “Whence do we come and how?””.

Over 1,000 participants from Early Childhood Centers, Elementary Schools, and one High School across Nelson County including Bardstown Head Start, Bardstown Early Childhood Education Center, Bardstown Primary School, Bardstown Elementary School, Foster Heights Elementary, Bloomfield Elementary and Crocus Academy of Bardstown were able to experience and witness the development of life before their very eyes. For many of the teachers, who were responsible for their own incubation processes, it was the first time they had witnessed the development of an embryo. Given materials, guidance and reference curriculum from the University of Florida’s Cooperative Extension Service, both teacher and student gained hands-on experience with precious life as we know it. The development of the embryo and the baby chick’s life thereafter solely depended on the instructor and the child.

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. In 2017, the 4-H Agent began to attend classrooms, teaching students the nutritional value of eggs in their diet. Nelson County SNAPed Assistant and the 4-H Agent collaborated in this effort to create a positive and fun lesson to share with participants regarding eggs as energy for the body.

The project was evaluated by 18 different teachers in 18 separate classrooms. The quantitative data was recorded and the results were as follows:

•15 out of 18 teachers reported at least 51-75% of their students increased their interest in the subject matter of science as a result of participating in the 4-H Embryology Project.
•16 out of 18 teachers reported at least 51-75% 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.
•16 out of 18 teachers reported that at least 51-75% of their student’s demonstrated responsibility and a greater appreciation for living things as a result of participating in the 4-H Embryology Project.

Program classroom presence increased from 17 in 2017 to 18 in 2018. Hatched chicks were given to local farmers or neighbors with backyard chicken coups to be raised (only one incubator had an unsuccessful hatch). All 18 teachers conveyed interest in involvement with the project in 2018.