University of Illinois Extension’s
2024 Embryology Program registration is OPEN!
Greetings!
Thank you for your interest or past participation in the 4-H Embryology in the Classroom Program with University of Illinois Extension. Registration in now open for educator training and eggs orders through February 2, 2024. Supplies are limited so early registration is recommended.
Program Overview:
What is more fascinating than seeing a fully developed baby chick emerge from an egg? Just three weeks of incubation transforms a seemingly lifeless chicken egg into an active, living being. This interactive project through the University of Illinois Extension’s 4-H program is designed to give your students the opportunity to hatch chicks in their own classroom/learning environment.
During the 21-day incubation period, students learn how to prepare eggs, set up an incubator, record progress, turn eggs, and test eggs for fertility. The project aligns with both Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Common Core Standards.
For more information, go to 4-H Embryology & Incubation: https://4h.extension.illinois.edu/programs/animal-sciences/embryology-incubation
How it works:
- 4-H provides online training, classroom resources, and egg-ordering services so that educators can bring embryology to their classrooms. (educators can earn up to 2 PDH)
- Educators attend training, provide program equipment and supplies for their classroom, teach and oversee the program for their students, and provide participant information and program evaluation data to the 4-H program.
2024 Training Program & Registration Options:
Training and fertile egg order registration open: December 18 – February 2
General ONLINE training information:
- Led by University of Illinois Poultry Specialist, Dr. Ken Koelkebeck. (retired)
- Training fee includes training, access to training materials, classroom resources, and 4-H staff availability for questions. (eggs are ordered separately).
- A zoom link will be sent before the training.
- Educators needing PDH from ISBE should email their Illinois Educator’s Identification Number (IEIN) to Michele at maavang@illinois.edu immediately following the training.
Beginner Training: First-time educators can attend ONE of TWO virtual training sessions:
- Cost: $30
- February 13 - 4:30-6:30 p.m. OR
- March 6 - 4:30-6:30 p.m.
- 2 PDH may be earned through ISBE
Advanced Training: For returning teachers. Recommended every 5 years.
- Cost: $25
- March 7 - 4:30-6:00 p.m.
- 1.5 PDH may be earned through ISBE
Fertile Egg Orders:
- Cost: $16 per dozen fertile eggs (minimum order 2 dozen), chick feed, access to training materials, and 4-H staff availability for questions.
- Fertile egg pick-up: April 3 from 7am-4:30pm (TBD - possible for April 2 afternoon pickup)
- Select pickup from TWO locations:
- Lake Co Extension office - Grayslake
- McHenry Co Extension office - Woodstock
- Hatch week begins: April 22-26.
- 75% of eggs received this year may be Cornish Rock (meat birds) unless otherwise informed
Contact:
Michele Aavang
4-H Youth Development Educator
Lake & McHenry County
maavang@illinois.edu
McHenry office: 815-338-3737 | Lake office: 847-223-8627 | Remote: 217-265-8059
Return to McHenry County 4-H
