Embryology in the Classroom: Serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria and Tazewell Counties: Illinois Extension

Embryology Registration Opens January 20

Session 1 Registration - Training begins Feb. 12  |  Incubation Feb. 25 - March 21, 2025

Session 2 Registration - Training begins March 4  |  Incubation April 22 - May 16, 2025

Embark on an exciting journey of discovery with our in-school enrichment program, 4-H Embryology in the Classroom! Designed for pre-K through high school teachers, this immersive experience brings the wonders of life right into your classroom, fostering a hands-on and engaging learning environment. We’ll provide you with the resources, skills, and knowledge you need to successfully hatch chicken eggs with your students.

What's Included?

The $28 registration cost covers:

  • Training session (beginner & advanced options available)
  • Incubator
  • Egg turner
  • Learning aids (posters, books, etc.)
  • Chick feed
  • Cheese cloth for incubator
  • 18 fertilized eggs
  • Assistance in finding homes for hatched chicks

Teacher Responsibilities:

  • Attend a synchronous virtual training (beginner & advanced options are available).
  • Pick up equipment and eggs on designated dates.
  • Furnish a heat lamp, feeder, waterer, and box with bedding for hatched chicks.
  • Assist in finding homes for hatched chicks.
  • Return equipment in clean condition on designated date.
  • Provide classroom demographic data.
  • Complete program evaluation & provide student demographics.

Pick the Session that Works for You:

Our supplies are limited, so registration is done on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration opens at midnight on January 19, 2025 – and registration tends to fill up very quickly. We must receive your online form and payment before registration is considered complete. Fee waivers are available upon request.

Bring the magic of life sciences to your classroom, inspire curiosity, and create unforgettable learning experiences. Don't miss this egg-citing opportunity to integrate hands-on education into your curriculum!

Secure your spot on January 20 and let the adventure begin! 

Important Dates: 

2025 Session 1

  • Feb 12 | 4:30-6:30pm | Virtual Beginner Training (ISBE PDHs available)
  • Feb 13 | 4:30-6:00pm | Virtual Advanced Training (ISBE PDHs available)
  • Feb 18 | 3-5:00pm | Equipment & Supply Pick-Up; Check out teaching aids (optional) 
  • Feb 24 | 3-5:00pm | Egg Pick-Up
  • Feb 25 | Incubation Begins (Set eggs in AM)
  • March 18-20 | Hatch Days
  • March 21 | 12-4:00pm | Drop-Off Equipment & Chicks (those without homes)
  • March 21 | 5:00-6:00pm | Chick Adoption

2025 Session 2

  • Mar 4 | 4:30-6:30pm | Virtual Beginner Training (ISBE PDHs available)
  • Mar 6 | 4:30-6:00pm | Virtual Advanced Training (ISBE PDHs available)
  • Apr 15 | 3-5:00pm | Equipment & Supply Pick-Up; Check out teaching aids (optional) 
  • Apr 21 | 3-5:00pm | Egg Pick-Up
  • Apr 22 | Incubation Begins (Set eggs in AM)
  • May 13-15 | Hatch Days
  • May 16 | 12-4:00pm | Drop-Off Equipment & Chicks (those without homes)
  • May 16 | 5:00-6:00pm | Chick Adoption

 

Locations:

Pick-ups and drop-offs can be done at Illinois Extension branch offices in either Peoria or Tazewell Counties. 

  • Peoria Branch Office | 4810 N. Sheridan Road, Peoria, IL 61614 | 309-685-3140
  • Tazewell Branch Office | 1505 Valle Vista Blvd, Pekin, IL 61554 | 309-347-6614 

 

Chick Adoption Info:

If you are interested in adopting chicks from our 4-H Embryology in the Classroom program, you may contact staff at the Peoria or Tazewell branch offices. Chicks will be White Leghorns, straight run. Pick-up time will be Friday, March 21 OR Friday, May 15 from 5-6pm at either of the offices below:

  • Peoria Branch Office | 4810 N. Sheridan Road, Peoria, IL 61614 | 309-685-3140
  • Tazewell Branch Office | 1505 Valle Vista Blvd, Pekin, IL 61554 | 309-347-6614 

As they will be hatched by students and teachers in local schools, we are unable to guarantee a specific number that will be available. However, we will do our best to have an estimated number of available chicks by March 20 or May 15. 

To get added to the adoption list, call the office and let us know the following information:

  • Which office you’d prefer for pick-up (please see addresses above)
  • Minimum # of chicks you’re willing to take
  • Maximum # of chicks you’re willing to take

ONLINE RESOURCES

Embryology in the Classroom Online Album With Fun Facts
Throughout the 21 day incubation process local Extension staff will be adding photos with embryology facts in the description section.
PennState Embryology in the Classroom
This Web site was developed to support the "Embryology In The Classroom" curriculum. Educators will find it extremely helpful as a resource for teaching embryology in the classroom.
American Poultry Association
Poultry comes in all sizes, shapes, colors and personalities. There are nearly 400 breeds and varieties of poultry that offer something for young and old alike.
The Egg - Ohio's Perfect Food Video
The Ohio Poultry Association and the Ohio Soybean Council team up to present an inside look at the history and importance of the egg industry in Ohio.
Teacher Resource: American Egg Board
Educational lesson plans, activity sheets, interactive webtools for kindergarten through high school educators that align with the National Education Standards and educate today's youth about the benefits of a healthy diet and exercise.
The Ohio State University Extension ChickQuest
Ohio's 4-H embryology curriculum website includes a variety of activities to enhance your classroom embryology program.
University of Illinois Chickscope
This site is old but contains valuable resources, especially for older students. It includes unique scientific resources and expertise to help provide motivation for learning science and mathematics and stimulates interest in the scientific world.
University of Florida Extension Eggcellent Adventures
An interactive guide to chicken embryology geared to 3rd graders.
Educational Embryology Resources

Bibliography of Related Children's Books

Chick Development Chart

ChickQuest Slides of embryo development

Egg Color, Sizes, and Grading Worksheet

Egg Soak Experiment Worksheet

Embryology in the Classroom Certificate

Embryonic Development Days 1 - 21

Explore the Inside of an Egg Worksheet

Frequently Asked Questions

Hatching Chick Activity

Incubation & Embryology

Lesson Plans

Resources

Room and Weather Conditions chart

U of I Poultry Program Facts

U of I Poultry Program Fun Facts Book

Worksheets

Worksheets - Answer Keys

Videos

Classroom Note to be sent home to parents - This note can be edited to add specific information about what your class has been doing during your Embryology in the Classroom experience. OR you may use the wording and add it to your own classroom website or newsletter. It is a great way to help parents understand the connection between this special project and University of Illinois Extension.