This program is provided through the Outdoor Classroom Grant provided Tennessee Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom. Priority for this classroom kit will be given to 4th-grade teachers. This lesson teaches youth how life develops by observing the process of egg hatching, introduces basic scientific principles, and allows students to complete a hands-on activity related to egg candling which aligns with state standards GLE 0407.4.1; GLE 0407.INQ.2;5.LS4.2; 5.ETS2.1.
Due to the number of incubators available, if multiple teachers at your school are interested in the program we suggest you work together and request one kit. If you would like more information on how this would work, please do not hesitate to contact us at samialbright@utk.edu!
Resource materials and supplies include:
- Digital Incubator with an automatic egg turner
- 18 fertilized chicken eggs
- Drinker
- Feeder
- Brooder light with clamps
- 250 watt light bulb
- Egg candler
- Shavings/Bedding
- Medicated chick feed
- Storage container/brooder ‘box’
- Daily emails with egg development updates, instructions for the care of eggs and chicks, with student worksheets/activities
Kits are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Kit availability may change or be altered based on egg availability. The kits are available during the following date options:
- Feb 27-March 22, 2024
- Feb 22 = Kit drop off, lesson provided by 4-H staff, and incubator set up
- March 7 or 8 = Egg candling with 4-H staff (returning teachers may choose to do this on their own)
- March 15 = estimated hatch date (4-H staff does not visit on this day but please make sure to make a note of this day when selecting your top choice.)
- March 18 = Chick pick up by 4-H Staff
- March 6-29, 2024
- March 2 = Kit drop off, lesson provided by 4-H staff, and incubator set up
- March 16 = Egg candling with 4-H staff (returning teachers may choose to do this on their own)
- March 23 = estimated hatch date (4-H staff does not visit on this day but please make sure to make a note of this day when selecting your top choice.)
- March 25 = Chick pick up by 4-H Staff
- April 19-May13, 2024
- April 19 = Kit drop off, lesson provided by 4-H staff, and incubator set up
- May 2 or 3 = Egg candling with 4-H staff (returning teachers may choose to do this on their own)
- May 10 = estimated hatch date (4-H staff does not visit on this day but please make sure to make a note of this day when selecting your top choice.) *This date overlaps with Farm Day 2022 but that will not affect either program so do not worry about the conflict!*
- May 13 = Chick pick up by 4-H Staff
The chicks that hatch as a result of this program are considered borrowed property of the University of Tennessee Cooperative Extension Service, as are all the loaned materials. The loaned materials as well as chicks that hatch from this program must be returned after the program. If any equipment is returned damaged or unusable and requires replacement or repair, the school checking out equipment will be expected to replace or repair equipment based on costs provided by Sevier County 4-H. By completing a request for this school enrichment opportunity you acknowledge and have read and understood the contents of this policy and agree that your school will adhere to the policy (policy is included on the registration form link).
Teachers will receive a confirmation email from the 4-H staff after their registration form has been submitted. A completed registration form must be received before any classroom visits or rental items are released and the date is confirmed. It is the requesting party’s responsibility to ensure that their school holidays do not interfere with this project. You can contact the 4-H School Enrichment Staff by calling 865-453-3695 with questions however, all registrations must be received online.