Embryology in the Classroom

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Embryology Registration Opens January 19, 2026

Session 1 Registration - Training begins Feb. 11 (beginner) Feb. 12 (advanced)  |  Incubation Feb. 24 - March 20, 2026

Session 2 Registration - Training begins March 3 (beginner) March 5 (advanced)  |  Incubation April 21 - May 15, 2026

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 11 | 4:30-6:30pm | Virtual Beginner Training (ISBE PDHs available)
  • Feb 12 | 4:30-6:00pm | Virtual Advanced Training (ISBE PDHs available)
  • Feb 17 | 3-5:00pm | Equipment & Supply Pick-Up; Check out teaching aids (optional)
  • Feb 23 | 3-5:00pm | Egg Pick-Up
  • Feb 24 | Incubation Begins (Set eggs in AM)
  • March 16-19 | Hatch Days
  • March 20 | 12-4:00pm | Drop-Off Equipment & Chicks (those without homes)
  • March 20 | 5:00-6:00pm | Chick Adoption

2025 Session 2

  • Mar 3 | 4:30-6:30 pm | Virtual Beginner Training (ISBE PDHs available)
  • Mar 5 | 4:30-6:00 pm | Virtual Advanced Training (ISBE PDHs available)
  • Apr 13 | 3-5:00 pm | Equipment & Supply Pick-Up; Check out teaching aids (optional)
  • Apr 20 | 3-5:00 pm | Egg Pick-Up
  • Apr 21 | Incubation Begins (Set eggs in AM)
  • May 11-14 | Hatch Days
  • May 15 | 12-4:00 pm | Drop-Off Equipment & Chicks (those without homes)
  • May 15 | 5:00-6:00 pm | 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:

Interest Form

If you are interested in adopting chicks from our 4-H Embryology in the Classroom program, you may complete the online form or contact staff at the Peoria or Tazewell branch offices. Chicks will be White Leghorns, straight run. Pick-up time will be Friday, March 20 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

baby chicks photo by Allison Nix

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.

close up of chicken by Anita Wilkinson

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.

screen shot of video The Egg

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.

Eggs in Schools logo

Eggs in the Classroom by 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.

screenshot of Chick Quest book

The Ohio State University Extension ChickQuest

Ohio's 4-H embryology curriculum website includes a variety of activities to enhance your classroom embryology program.

eggcelletn adventures cover page

University of Florida Extension Eggcellent Adventures

An interactive guide to chicken embryology geared to 3rd graders.

Educational Embryology Resources

University of Illinois Extension 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.