4-H Embryology Program
Extension Education
Becky Spearman
Extension Livestock Agent
United States
Elizabethtown
Abstract
Students in Bladen and Hoke counties are not proficient in science and math and need hands-on learning opportunities in STEM to help them meet expectations. The purpose of the Embryology program is to provide curriculum to teachers that meets seven NC Essential Science Standards, provide technical assistance for teachers to hatch eggs successfully in their classrooms, and to provide learning modules to enhance student learning. Teachers are provided fertile eggs and incubators; teacher and student training about incubation, chickens, eggs and handwashing; weekly learning modules on a Google Site with lessons and videos; student worksheet packets; a 21 day plastic chick life cycle sets; and chicken reading books. Livestock agents in both counties and the Bladen 4-H agent developed the modules and videos to increase student learning, but not increase teacher workload.
Students and teachers love the embryology program. Many teachers enjoy teaching this part of the curriculum and look forward to the spring program each year. The program has been provided for 13 years in Bladen and 25 years in Hoke. In 2023, 21 teachers and 400 students in Bladen County and 13 teachers and 759 students in Hoke County accessed the website. 2023 program evaluations showed 90% of teachers used the website and student packets. 100% of teachers strongly agreed or agreed that it was a useful addition to my science unit, the curriculum helped me prepare lesson plans, materials reinforced standards of study, and enhanced students' perception of science. When asked about how the program was beneficial to them, positive teacher comments included: “My students were exposed to content and material that helped them better understand the world around them. They thought the inside of an egg had a chick inside. As we talked and discussed what the inside of a fertilized egg had, they began to understand the reason why it had the parts it did” and “I liked the book, packets and embedded videos that were sent. They helped the students visually gain knowledge about the process.” URLs for the student page https://sites.google.com/ncsu.edu/2024-embryology/home
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
Click to view Poster
Authors: Becky Spearman, Liz Joseph
-
Spearman, B. Extension Livestock Agent, NCSU - NC Cooperative Extension, North Carolina, 28337-0249
-
Joseph, L. Extension Livestock Agent, NCSU - NC Cooperative Extension, North Carolina, 28306