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Placer County 4-H

Embryology

4-H Embryology Program

The 4-H embryology program teaches youth (grades 3-8) about the development life-cycle of a chicken through a hands-on experiential learning model. The 4-H Embryology curricula meets the Next Generation Science Standards. Through the 4-H Embryology program, youth will learn about:

  • embryo development
  • how to record scientific observations
  • work as a team
  • leadership skills

What Teachers Are Saying

"This is an unforgettable program that the students experience and remember for the rest of their lives."

"This is such an amazing program! Our students have learned more about life cycles in this one unit than any other. They have a renewed love for learning and science..."

"Students are completely amazed at the hatching process. The looks in their eyes as they witnessed the chicks hatching was so delightful to see."

Embryology Pilot Program for Schools

We are currently piloting the program with Placer county schools from February through May of 2024. Due to the overwhelming interest of our 4-H Embryology pilot program, we are not accepting any new applications for the 4-H embryology pilot program. We plan to offer this program again during the upcoming new school year. If you are interested, please complete our expanded learning opportunity program online questionnaire.

The 4-H embryology pilot program fee includes the cost of one incubator rental, one dozen fertilized eggs, the curriculum PDF, the train-the-trainer event, and program evaluation.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out and we are happy to touch base. You can reach us at placer4h@ucanr.edu or 530-889-7385.

Embryology Resources

2020 Embryology Newsletter

Duckling Hatching Basics

Care of Fertile Eggs Prior to Incubation

Incubator Diagram

HOVA-BATOR Model Incubator

Square Styrofoam Model

Automatic Turner Instructions

Chick Care

UNL Extension: 4-H Embryology A great resource! Video clips of hatching chicks, candling and an incubator webcam.

Video Clips

Care of Fertile Eggs Prior to Incubating 2:02.94

Setting Up the Incubator and Eggs 9:38.03

What's Inside - Observing Embryo Development Inside the Egg 1:59.78

The Great Break Out 5:02.38

Caring for Chicks - A Brooder Box 5:31.47

Hatching Chick 0:30.00