Embryology in the Classroom
4-H and Youth Programming
Courteney Sisk
County Agent
Walnut Ridge
Abstract
Each spring, natural cycles such as growth, reproduction, and seasonal change provide rich opportunities for experiential learning in the classroom. The classroom chick-hatching program leverages this natural curiosity by offering students an in-depth, hands-on exploration of avian development, beginning with the egg and continuing through early life stages of a chicken. This program integrates biological concepts with real-world agricultural applications, reinforcing key science standards through observation and inquiry-based learning. Students examine the structure and function of an egg, distinguish between fertilized and unfertilized eggs, and observe the biological processes that transform a yolk into a fully developed chick. Instruction also extends beyond hatching to include an introduction to poultry classification, allowing students to understand how birds are categorized as they mature, including egg-laying and meat-producing birds. These lessons promote a broader understanding of food systems and animal agriculture. Although Lawrence County is a rural, agriculture-based community, many students lack direct, hands-on exposure to poultry production and developmental biology. This program addresses that gap by delivering unbiased, science-based information that students can retain, apply, and share with their families. In an age where social media often serves as a primary source of information, providing accurate and engaging instruction is essential to ensure that factual knowledge is understood and disseminated beyond the classroom. A secondary objective of the program is to support educators by aligning instruction with curriculum standards they are already required to cover but may lack the resources, time, or specialized equipment to implement effectively. Through collaboration with teachers, the program enhances existing lesson plans while reducing instructional burden. This partnership model has proven valuable to educators and contributes to sustained participation. The program has reached 1622 students over the last five years. Knowledge in the subject is assessed with a pre- and post-oral quiz. The average pre-quiz score is 15% of the class, and by the end, 80% can answer questions correctly. Now, entering its fifth year of implementation in Lawrence County, the chick-hatching program has demonstrated continued growth, strong classroom engagement, and lasting educational impact, with consistent demand indicating its long-term value and sustainability.
Authors: Courteney Sisk, Andrew Bolton
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Courteney Sisk County Agent, University of Arkansas Division of Ag. , Arkansas, 72476
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Andrew Bolton Instructor - Poultry, Youth Programs, University of Arkansas Division of Ag. , Arkansas, 72204