Hatching Chicks in the Classroom with Urban West 4-H!
Each spring, Urban West 4-H offers a highly engaging Embryology program that brings the science of life directly into the classroom. Through hands-on participation, students observe the complete development of a chick — from fertilized egg through incubation and hatching — providing a memorable, real-world learning experience.
This program is designed for K–8 classrooms and supports science education by allowing students to make daily observations, ask questions and connect biological concepts to living organisms. The Embryology program algins with Missouri Learning Standards and is especially effective for teaching life cycles, animal science, responsibility and scientific inquiry.
Program details
Participating classrooms receive a complete Embryology program kit and curriculum designed to support a successful classroom incubation experience. All materials and instructional resources are provided by Urban West 4-H, including:
- Pre-incubated fertilized eggs
- Classroom incubator
- Chick feed
- Full Embryology curriculum with structured classroom activities
- Incubation and hatching guide with step-by-step instructions
- Educational videos and digital resources
- Children’s books and additional supplemental learning materials
These resources allow students to safely observe embryonic development and the hatching process while engaging in hands-on, standards-aligned science learning.
Eggs are incubated in the classroom during a scheduled two-week spring session, with programs offered in March and April to align with the school calendar and optimal conditions for chick care.
Spring 2026 registration information
Two sessions are offered each spring. Participation is limited and approved on a first-come, first-served basis.
Session 1
March 9–20, 2026
Registration deadline: February 6, 2026
Session 2
April 13–24, 2026
Registration deadline: February 27, 2026
Program costs
- Pre-incubated eggs: $40 per dozen
- Chick feed: $3 per bag
- Incubator rental: $25
Registration requirements
Educators interested in participating must complete online registration using the link below. After submitting registration, all participants are required to complete a group enrollment form prior to approval. This allows MU Extension to accurately capture student participation for program reporting. Estimated participation numbers may be updated after the session is complete, if needed. You are required to submit online payment during registration for your submission to be complete. Alternatively, you can pay by check. Please contact your local Extension professional below for check payments or invoices.
Contact information
For questions or additional information, please contact:
Shianna Burgett
Urban West Region Field Specialist
University of Missouri Extension
Email Shianna