4-H Embryology 4-H School Enrichment Project Lori Wiggins, Extension Agent III Taylor County Extension Service/ University of Florida

4-H Embryology 4-H School Enrichment Project n EGG-SPLORE the science of embryology from egg to chicken. The "4-H Embryology" project will enable youth to apply basic principles of mathematics, science, English, and health through a "learn by doing" experience.

4-H Embryology 4-H School Enrichment Project Youth will learn by listening, observing, experimenting, and applying their knowledge to a real-world situation. Youth will learn by listening, observing, experimenting, and applying their knowledge to a real-world situation. Youth will develop an understanding of biological concepts through direct experiences with living things, their life cycles and their habitats. Youth will develop an understanding of biological concepts through direct experiences with living things, their life cycles and their habitats. Youth learn valuable life skills related to sciences processes, teamwork, record keeping, planning and organizing. Youth learn valuable life skills related to sciences processes, teamwork, record keeping, planning and organizing.

4-H Embryology 4-H School Enrichment Project n The objectives of the program are to teach students: to identify parts of an egg and explain their functions. to identify parts of an egg and explain their functions. to learn how to make observations and record them. to learn how to make observations and record them. to observe and learn about the stages of embryonic development of a chick. to observe and learn about the stages of embryonic development of a chick. to provide proper post-hatch care of the chicks. to provide proper post-hatch care of the chicks. to develop a greater appreciation for animal life. to develop a greater appreciation for animal life. to learn about other opportunities available in 4-H. to learn about other opportunities available in 4-H.

About the Project n Hands-on, Science Project n Correlated with National Science Standards n Extension provides educational resources for the project –Teacher Resource s with activity masters –4-H CCS Classroom Project Book grades 2-5 & 6-8 –Informational powerpoint and support –WWW Sites for activities and resources

n What You Need to Know to Have a Successful Project n Planning and Scheduling Checklist n The Chicken n The Egg n The Reproductive System and Fertilization n Incubation n Trouble Shooting n Embryo Development n Answers to Commonly Asked Embryology Questions

Web site support n n ex.html ex.html ex.html n The 4-H Virtual Farm The 4-H Virtual Farm oultry/poultry.html oultry/poultry.html

Project Expectations n Actively involve youth n Agent Candles Eggs at mid project n Keep Records n Help youth observe embryonic development

How do I Successfully Hatch Eggs? n Proper Preparation and Planning n Quality Fertile Eggs n Student Buy In n Good Incubation Management n Patience

PREPARATION AND PLANNING n Choosing a workable time frame –25 day time period –Avoid holidays –Electric turner to manage consistent egg turning or plan for weekend turning. –The middle of the week is usually a good day to start eggs

INCUBATION MANAGEMENT These steps provided by 4-H Agent in preparation for your successful project n Clean incubator n Setup and test incubator a week before project to begin (at least 2 days) n Viable, Fertile Eggs provided by Extension Service

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT n Incubator location? –Avoid drafts, direct sunlight, heat & AC outlets. –Place in “wet area” to ease in humidity maintenance and clean up from accidental overfilling.

Quality Fertile Eggs n Proper Collection and Storage –50-65 Degrees F. –70% Humidity –7 days Maximum –Critical Storage Temp. –35-82 deg

Preparation and Planning n Inform coworkers and custodial staff to avoid accidental unplugging of equipment after hours n Planned Power Outages? n Lower/higher school temps on weekends? Check with Administration

Preparation and Planning n What happens to the chicks? n You will keep the chicks for at least a week to experience the brooding process.

Chicken and Egg Basics

EGG STRUCTURES

Function of Embryonic Membranes n Yolk Sac –Food n Amnion –Protection –Liquid n Chorion / Allantois –Respiration –Waste –Minerals from shell

Start Up Day n Presentation by Extension Educator - 4-H Youth Development –Beginning the incubation Process –Key Elements for Success –Special Properties of the egg n Incubator needs to warm up one day prior to eggs being put in

An Incubator

Candling eggs prior to incubation Good quality hatching egg Poor quality large air cell dark yolk Cracked Two Yolks

The Importance of Egg Turning n The incubator will be equipped with an Electric Turner n Mark eggs with “X” and “O” on opposite side of eggs just to be sure the turner is working properly and turning the eggs n Turning prevents embryo sticking to shell membrane n During school days eggs will turn about 3 time per day n You will need to remove the turner from the incubator on day 19

Convenience of Electric Turner n Automatic Turner does the job for you. No need to manually turn eggs. n Check to be sure turner stays plugged in and it is turning the eggs. n Remove Electric Egg Turner on Day 19.

Incubation Management n Temperature – forced Air (Dome Type) – Still Air (Box Type) Incubator is provided by Extension Service n Humidity –60% –Wet Bulb Thermometer 86 degrees

Maintaining Humidity n Incubator contains water pan n Importance for chick health –Prevent sticking to shell –Keeps amnion fluid –Keeps shell from hardening, trapping chick at hatching –Prevent crippled chicks

At Mid Point n Extension Agent will visit your classroom to Candling Eggs at day 14 in order to remove nonfertilized eggs.

Concentrate to the Finish n Day 19 Remove Electric Turner n No need to turn eggs after this n Open Air Vents blocked by tape or red plugs n Humidity remains even more critical. Keep water levels consistent n Keep Records of Hatching Statistics

Hatching Time n Hatching Begins Day 21 give or take 3 days n Impacted by Light and Temperature n May take Several Hours for Chick to Exit Shell n Don’t help Chicks Hatch -- Struggle Necessary for Survival

Chicks in varying stages of hatching and drying in incubator.

And Then? n Chicks remain in incubator until dry and fluffy. n May take several hours to dry n Once dry and fluffy place in brooder n Provide chick mash and waterer - provided by Extension Office

What’s A BROODER? n Pen for chicks n Absorbent bedding i.e. saw dust, newspaper, etc will be needed for flooring n Shop light will be hung low to warm chicks

KEEP BROODER CLEAN Change out daily (several times a day- students can help) n Bedding (newspaper-to line brooder) n Water n Food

Safety First n Check to be sure Light is Fire Safe n Should not Touch Brooder Surface n Marbles placed in Tray of Purchased Chicken Waterer Block Chicks from drowning in water

Project End n 4-H Agent will Retrieve Chicks and Transport to Farm Home. n Chicks can be adopted to families of students. n Success in Experiencing Science through this project not Chick Count. Don’t forget to clean your incubator before returning

Contact Me To Schedule Your School Enrichment Embryology Experience Lori Wiggins Extension Agent III Taylor County 203 Forest Park Drive Perry, FL