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2008 - 2009 Delaware County 4-H Embryology Project

4-H has been supporting Embryology Projects in Delaware County schools for over 25 years.

Thousands of children learn science each year by hatching chicks. The Embryology Project is valued by teachers of all age groups and meets PA Academic Standards for Science and Technology: 3.2.4.C, 3.2.7.A, 3.3.4.B, 3.3.7.B, 3.3.4.C, 3.3.4.D, and 3.3.7.D.

How the Program Works:

• On a Tuesday we bring eight 15-day old eggs to your classroom to hatch. They are placed in an incubator that you can rent or buy from us.* Chicks hatch out of the eggs about one week later. We pick up the chicks on Friday, a few days after they hatch, from your school office. The project is roughly a two-week commitment.
• Two incubators will be available for purchase. One has the traditional large viewing area with the added advantage of an electric air circulator, which entails little or no temperature adjustment on your part. The other incubator offers thermal air flow, as in the past, but the viewing area is smaller, with two postcard-size windows, instead of the large window. Purchase prices are $110 and $60 respectively. This is in addition to the program cost. (Please see registration form for details.) Teachers have reported great success with both incubators.

4-H Responsibilities:
	You will receive a confirmation letter from us after we receive your registration forms and fee.
	We conduct embryology training sessions for teachers at our farm facility in Newtown Square.
	We will have your supplies ready on your pick-up day at the 4-H farm.
	We provide each teacher with appropriate educational materials for students, plus a certificate for a perfect hatch!
	4-H will deliver 15-day old embryonated eggs on delivery day between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
	Staff is available to answer questions - just call (610) 690-2655 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Leave a message if no one is available. We promise to check our messages often!
	4-H will pick up chicks and rented incubators on Friday pick-up days before noon at your school office. It is imperative that rented incubators are returned to us cleaned and that all hatched chicks are in cardboard boxes with clean bedding, ready for pickup. Chicks may not "go home" with students, teachers, or to another location. No exceptions made!
	4-H delivers the chicks to the Philadelphia Zoo where they are humanely euthanized and used in the diets of bird and cat species. Because of our urban location, this is the best outlet for the thousands of chicks we handle every year.

Teacher Responsibilities:
	Select a session from the back of the Embryology Registration Form. Complete and return the form along with the 4-H Group Enrollment Form and your payment or purchase order. Please note that there are new cost-saving options on the registration form.
	Check your mail for the confirmation of your enrollment.
	Plan to attend one of the teacher training sessions, especially if you are new to embryology. Teachers who attend training generally experience a better hatch rate!
	Pick up your rented or purchased incubator and other supplies at the farm on the designated pick up day. If you own an incubator, you still must come to the farm to pick up your other supplies which includes chick feed and 4-H project books. Sorry, but we cannot deliver them.
	Clean the incubator when empty. (A water/bleach mixture works best after soaking. Please, NO SOAP!)
	Prepare chicks and incubator to leave the school. Say your good-byes on Thursday afternoon! Put fresh bedding for the chicks in the brooder box and leave it in the office with your rented incubator, thermometer, and videotape by 8 a.m. Friday morning.

Student Responsibilities: Through the guidance of the teacher, students will
	Understand the appropriate conditions for incubating and hatching the eggs (temperature, humidity, turning of eggs, not assisting chicks with hatching).
	Assist teacher in keeping food dish and water container filled.
	Learn about embryonic development and the uses for chickens and eggs.

Click here for the 2008 - 2009 Embryology registration form (PDF) and the 4-H Group Enrollment Form
or call our office.

Mail both of these completed forms and your payment or purchase order to: 4-H, Smedley Park, 20 Paper Mill Rd., Springfield, PA 19064

Click here for a printer friendly version of this page (PDF).

For additional information on all 4-H projects and general information about 4-H programs for individuals and families, contact the Penn State Extension Office, Delaware County - home of Delaware County 4-H.