In the 2017-2018 school year, over 20 classrooms, representing both private and public Jefferson County schools, requested the Embryology project from the Jefferson County 4-H program. Teachers within classrooms wanted hands on experience with learning life skills and knowledge of the process of embryology. Youth learned to care and maintain for the eggs and incubator before, during and after the incubation period. They also learned the proper care of newly hatched chicks. Kelly Smith, Jefferson County 4-H agent presented materials and educational resources to complete this project. Over 1000 youth participated in the 4-H Incubation Project. Additional clients within the county were served as well completing individual embryology projects. 

Partnering with Jefferson County Farm Bureau, they secured funds to purchase incubators, supplies and curriculum “Hatching with my peeps” to use within the classrooms. The items totaled over $3,000. This will allow more accurate incubation, opportunity to further the education within the project and allow each classroom to utilize material. The 4-H staff also kept a video diary of the 21 day process to allow for online viewing.

Responses from teachers after completing the project were very positive. Verbal Q &A were given to the youth as a wrap up from the agent in determining that skills were learned and youth gained a better understanding of the source of their food.