University of Illinois Extension
4-H Incubation and Embryology 2013 Results
Stakeholders – Regional Report
Grades 3-12
“This is the first year we had a poor hatch. Our power went out for most of the night and our
eggs we not able to hatch. The students voted as to whether to abort the process or wait and
see if the eggs were able to hatch. They made the chose to give the eggs a chance and thus were
able to accept the unsuccessful project as a learning experience and part of the circle of life.
They even suggested that something such as this could happen in nature if the weather turned
freezing cold and the mother couldn't keep her eggs warm enough.”
Introduction
The 4-H Incubation and Embryology project is designed to provide teachers with background
information and exciting experiential activities dealing with life science for use in the classroom.
Children have a natural sense of curiosity about living things in the world around them. Building on this
curiosity, students can develop an understanding of biology concepts through their direct experience
with living things, their life cycles, and their habitats. Students also get the opportunity to develop life
skills related to science processes such as teamwork, record keeping, planning, and organizing.
Participants
Ninety (90) teachers teaching grades 3-12 from schools in nine counties in Northeastern Illinois
responded to the 2013 4-H Incubation and Embryology survey. A reported 4844 students from those
schools were involved in the program in 2013.
Impact of the Incubation and Embryology Experience on Students
In response to two questions, teachers were asked to share their perception of the impact of the
incubation and embryology experience on 10 different life skills and 10 science abilities of their
students. Increases in at least one of these skill or ability areas were reported by 56 (84%) of the
teachers who answered these questions.
With respect to life skills, 50% to 57% of the teachers reported perceived increases in their students’
skills in
•keeping records (57%)
•concern for others (56%)
•sharing (54%)
•cooperation (53%)
With respect to science abilities, more than or nearly 50%of the 71 teachers who answered the
question reported perceived increases in their students’ ability to:
•observe (55%)
•communicate/demonstrate (51%)
•problem solve (48%)
Summary
University of Illinois Extension 4-H offers teacher training for a fee in Incubation and Embryology in the
spring of each year. Teachers participate in hands-on activities; receive educational materials to use in
the classroom, chick feed, a list of homes for baby chicks, and access to a website of teacher resources.
Teachers may also earn CPDU’s. In return, the teachers provide their own incubators, brooder box, and
heat source as well as follow the principles of incubation. In 2012, more than 316 teachers with nearly
16,000 students in grades K- 12 participated in the program.
8/29/2013
University of Illinois • U.S. Department of Agriculture • Local Extension Councils Cooperating
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.
The 4-H Name and Emblem are Protected under 18 U.S.C. 707.