2023 Embryology Program: Trainings & Egg Orders (DuPage, Kane, Kendall)

2023 INCUBATION & EMBRYOLOGY in the CLASSROOM with 4-H and University of Illinois Extension serving DuPage, Kane, and Kendall Counties

The 4-H Embryology Program allows students to experience chicks hatching in their classroom or learning environment! Just three weeks of incubation transforms a seemingly lifeless chicken egg into an active, living being. During the 21-day incubation period, students learn how to prepare eggs, set up an incubator, record progress, turn eggs, and test eggs for fertility. The project aligns with both Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Common Core Standards. The program is designed for youth in grades K to 5, but can be adapted for older students.

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS:

• 4-H provides training (offered online this year), classroom resources, and egg ordering services so that educators can bring embryology to their classes.
• Educators attend training, provide program equipment and supplies, teach and oversee the program for their students, and provide participant information and program evaluation data.

IMPORTANT 2023 DATES:

• Registration opens in January. Look for more details in early 2023!
• Beginner training: Feb. 15 OR March 7 – 4:30-6:30 p.m.
• Advanced training: Feb. 16 OR March 8 – 4:30-6 p.m.
• Fertile egg pick-up: April 19
• Hatch: Week of May 8

Beginner Training (2 PDH): First-time teachers can attend one of two virtual training sessions: Feb. 15 or March 7, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Led by U of I Extension Poultry Specialist Dr. Ken Koelkebeck. 2 PDH may be earned. A Zoom link will be sent prior to the training. Cost: $30 includes training and resources. Note: Eggs are no longer included with trainings, so be sure to also order your eggs below. Training price has been adjusted to reflect this change.

Advanced Training (1.5 PDH): Refresher course for teachers that have attended the beginner training and have run the project in the past. Choice of two virtual trainings: Feb. 16 or March 8, from 4:30-6 p.m. Led by U of I Extension Poultry Specialist Dr. Ken Koelkebeck. 1.5 PDH may be earned. A Zoom link will be sent prior to the training. Cost: $20 includes training and resources. Note: Eggs are no longer included with trainings, so be sure to also order your eggs below. Training price has been adjusted to reflect this change.

Fertile Egg Orders: This option is for all participants who want eggs, regardless of training status. Cost: $30 includes 2 dozen fertile eggs for the project, chick feed, access to training materials, and 4-H staff availability for questions. (Note: It is the recommendation of our trainers that educators doing the embryology project complete a beginner or advanced training once every five years in order to achieve continued success.)

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PLEASE READ ALL OF THE FOLLOWING BEFORE COMPLETING REGISTRATION

General Program Notes:

• Trainings will be in a virtual format this year. Educators should complete a beginner or advanced training once every five years in order to achieve continued success.
• Teachers must provide their own equipment to participate in this project.
• Fertile egg supply will be limited this year, so please plan to place orders as early as possible. Each educator will be limited to 2 dozen eggs per person/registration.
• If your district/organization needs to order for multiple educators on one invoice, please contact 4-H Educator Leilah Siegel at lmcnabb@illinois.edu, or 4-H Education Enrichment Coordinator Katie McFarland at ksm@illinois.edu.

Program Success:

• We cannot guarantee fertility of eggs.
• We cannot guarantee hatch of eggs, as so many factors can impact project success.
• Egg pick-up is scheduled for April 19. Staff will confirm with you closer to that time.
• It is the recommendation of our trainers that educators doing the embryology project complete a beginner or advanced training once every five years in order to achieve continued success.
• This program is designed for those who teach in DuPage, Kane and Kendall Counties. To find another local program, contact your local Extension office.

Payment: Credit charges will be billed as 'University of Illinois' charges on your card statement. Checks must received by Feb. 17, 2023. Please mail to University of Illinois Extension, 7775B IL Route 47, Yorkville IL 60560. No refunds once an order is placed due to fertile egg supplier requirements.

Communication: 4-H staff will email updates, reminders and helpful hints during the 3-week incubation process. All communications are sent by email, so please be sure that we always have your most up-to-date email address. Please also take note of our website (go.illinois.edu/embryology4Hdkk). All important dates and contact information also can be found there.

Complete Registration: Please complete all of the registration questions. Early in 2023, you also will receive an Illinois 4-H Program Group Enrollment form to fill out. Extension receives local, state, and federal funding and is therefore required to gather demographic data. Completion of this demographic information (for all youth who will benefit from the program) is required for egg pick-up. We appreciate you using raw numbers and not percentages as you complete the form. Thank you!

Questions or requests: If you have any questions or need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact please contact 4-H Educator Leilah Siegel at lmcnabb@illinois.edu, or 4-H Education Enrichment Coordinator Katie McFarland at ksm@illinois.edu, or call 630-584-6166. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your access needs.

THANK YOU for your participation!

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This program is designed for those who teach in DuPage, Kane and Kendall Counties. To find another local program, find your local Extension office or call:

• Lake: 847-223-8627?
• McHenry: 815-338-3737
• Cook, Chicago: 773-768-7779
• Cook, North (Arlington Heights): 847-201-4176
• Cook, South (Matteson): 708-679-6889
• Will: 815-727-9296
• Grundy: 815-942-2725