Hatching Chicks in the Classroom is a program for Osage County Educators, available February- March each year.

The program includes curriculum targeted for preschool through first grade, second through fifth grade, and middle school through high school. We have added experiments for all ages, a Jeopardy-type game created in Microsoft PowerPoint, and much more. All materials are delivered on a flash drive to make it easy for teachers!

Eggs are supplied through the Cole County Extension office and are supplied by our 4-H members. The chickens are a variety of breeds from exotics to fryers. Hatched chicks are yours to keep or you may return to us for 4-H members to increase and improve their flocks.

If interested, there is an option of a three-week study program. This program is great for middle and high school science classes.

Sign-up steps

1. Select your date (February- March)
2. 1-week program ($25 per incubator - includes incubator, flash drive with all teaching materials, and 1 dozen pre-incubated, fertilized eggs)
3. 3-week program ($25 per incubator - includes incubator, flash drive with all teaching materials, and 2 dozen eggs) please contact the Osage County Extension Center for more information and to schedule the incubator.
4. Return Reservation form, payment form, and School Enrichment Form to the Osage County Extension Office.
5. Mark your calendar to have someone pick up incubator between 1pm and 6pm on Monday for the week that you have been scheduled.
6. Mark your calendar to return the clean incubator and supplies between 1pm and 6pm on Friday of the week your scheduled week (for 1 week incubators).

If you have any additional questions or concerns please contact the Osage County Extension Office.

4-H clubs are open to ages 8 to 18. Clubs meet monthly for group activities and club business. Each club elects officers and has an approved adult leader who supervises club activities. Club members also enroll in projects in their areas of interest.

With projects on more than 75 topics, 4-H has something to interest every child. Here are just a few of the opportunities 4-H offers: geocaching, robotics, international exchanges, horsemanship, pets, starting a business, arts and crafts, raising animals, woodworking, photography and gardening.

Clover Kids introduces 5- to 7-year-olds to the 4-H experience. In Clover Kids, children learn how to get along with others, work in groups and explore their interests, while building self-confidence. Clover Kids do not enroll in projects or raise animals and do not participate in competitive events, contests or shows.

Joining 4-H is as easy as contacting your local extension office. A staff member will explain the enrollment process and membership dues. In addition to dues, some projects may require a small investment to get started, and there may be a fee for materials, trips or other activities.

Young people are welcome to join at any time. The 4-H program year runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30. Certain activities may have participation deadlines.

Adult volunteers are essential to 4-H. Adult volunteers serve as club or project leaders, help with county or regional events, chair committees and organize fundraisers. You don't have to be a parent or grandparent of the 4-H member to get involved. All volunteers are screened for child abuse and neglect, as well criminal records, before they are accepted and each year thereafter. As a volunteer, University of Missouri Extension will provide you with training so you will be well-prepared and successful as an adult leader. The orientation includes information on 4-H history and the educational framework, the characteristics of age groups, character development and safety.

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