2026 INCUBATION & EMBRYOLOGY in the CLASSROOM with 4-H and University of Illinois Extension serving Lake & McHenry Counties

 In just three weeks, a seemingly lifeless egg transforms into an active, living chick. Through the University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H program, your students can experience this incredible process firsthand by hatching chicks right in their classroom or learning environment.

During the 21-day incubation period, students will:

• Prepare eggs and set up an incubator
• Monitor and record daily progress
• Turn eggs and test for fertility
• This hands-on project aligns with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Common Core Standards, making it an excellent fit for classroom learning.

• Teacher Guide
• Student Workbook (English & Spanish)
• Incubator Temperature Graph
• Lesson plans, student materials, and supporting resources—all organized and ready to use!

To request curriculum information, email maavang@illinois.edu.
For more information, go to 4-H Embryology & Incubation

• 4-H provides online training, classroom resources, and egg-ordering services.
• Educators attend training, supply classroom equipment, teach and oversee the program, and submit participant data for evaluation.
• Up to 2 PDH available through ISBE.
  Recommended: Complete beginner or advanced training every five years for continued success.

2026 Training Program & Registration Options:

• Registration: December 8 – February 4
• Virtual Training Led By: Dr. Ken Koelkebeck, University of Illinois Poultry Specialist (retired)
  Zoom link will be sent the week of training.
• Training includes access to materials, classroom resources, and 4-H staff support.
  (Eggs ordered separately.)

• Cost: $30
• Dates (choose one):
  • Feb. 11 (Wed.) | 4:30–6:30 p.m.
  • Mar. 3 (Tues.) | 4:30–6:30 p.m.
• 2 PDH available

• Cost: $25
• Dates (choose one):
  • Feb. 12 (Thurs.) | 4:30–6:00 p.m.
  • Mar. 5 (Thurs.) | 4:30–6:00 p.m.
• 1.5 PDH available

Fertile Egg Orders: 

• Cost: $16 per dozen fertile eggs (recommended minimum order 2 dozen),
  • Includes: chick feed, access to training materials, and 4-H staff availability for questions.
• Egg pick-up: April 8 from 7 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • (TBD - Possible April 7 afternoon pickup)
• TWO locations available:
  • Lake Co Extension office - Grayslake
  • McHenry Co Extension office - Woodstock

• Hatch week begins: April 26-May 2
  Eggs received this year may be Cornish Rock (meat birds) unless otherwise informed

  Important DATA Collection information for the 2026 program:

• Complete IL State 4-H Chick Embryology SURVEY, located by May 8:  
  • go.illinois.edu/chickembryo
• Upload Illinois 4-H Group Participation forms by May 8. ( or bring to egg pickup April 8)
  • UPLOAD HERE

• Please COMPLETE both of these steps EACH year you participate.
  Extension receives local, state, and federal funding and is therefore required to gather demographic data for all youth who benefit from the program.

  PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING BEFORE COMPLETING REGISTRATION
   Additional Program Notes:

• Teachers are encouraged to provide their own equipment to participate in this project.
• Recommended minimum order: 2 dozen eggs.
• We cannot guarantee fertility of eggs (average 90% fertility rate).
• We cannot guarantee hatch of eggs, as many factors can impact success.
• Educators should complete training at least once every five years for best results.
• This program is designed for teachers in Lake & McHenry Counties.
  To find a local program, contact your local Extension office with the Chicagoland list below or visit:
  https://extension.illinois.edu/global/where-we-serve

• Credit charges will appear as "University of Illinois."
• Checks payable to "University of Illinois Extension" must received by Feb. 10, 2026.
• Mail to either office:
  • University of Illinois Extension - McHenry County, P.O. Box 1430, Woodstock, IL 60098
  • University of Illinois Extension - Lake County, 100 S. Hwy 45, Grayslake, IL 60030
• No refunds can be issued for eggs after Feb. 11 due to supplier requirements.

• 217-265-8059 - Remote office
• 815-338-3737 - McHenry County office
• 847-223-8627 - Lake County office

• Lake: 847-223-8627
• McHenry: 815-338-3737
• Cook, Chicago: 773-768-7779
• Cook, North (Arlington Heights): 847-201-4176
• Cook, South (Matteson): 708-679-6889
• Will: 815-727-9296
• Grundy: 815-942-2725