2025 Embryology Program: Egg Orders (DuPage, Kane, Kendall)
2025 INCUBATION & EMBRYOLOGY PROGRAM 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 (online), 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.
- Supplies (include but are not limited to the following items with approx. costs listed):
- Incubator with built-in egg turner ($150)
- Thermometer (varies)
- Brooder box and bedding ($25)
- Egg candler (optional - $20)
- Heat lamp ($7)
- Chick waterer ($5)
- Chick feeder ($5)
- Other items with nominal costs that may be needed include: pencil, bleach, thermostat wafer, turkey/meat baster, marbles, wet sponges, chicken wire, cheese cloth wipes, and additional chick feed.
- Teachers who attend the Beginner Teacher Training will get additional information about program supplies.
IMPORTANT DATES
- Beginner training: Feb. 12 OR March 4 – 4:30-6:30 p.m.
- Advanced training: Feb. 13 OR March 6 – 4:30-6 p.m.
- Fertile egg pick-up: April 22
- Hatch: Week of May 12
FERTILE EGG ORDER REGISTRATION
New information on 2025 egg orders:
- Fertile egg supply may 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 you would like to purchase multiple sets for your school, please contact Katie McFarland at ksm@illinois.edu.
- Do NOT place an individual egg order if your district or organization needs to include multiple educators on one invoice (such as D303 and D44). If your district/organization would like to request this option, please be sure to contact Katie McFarland at ksm@illinois.edu for approval. If you are unsure, please consult with your internal program lead to see if you need to order as an individual.
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PLEASE READ ALL OF THE FOLLOWING BEFORE MOVING FORWARD
Program Notes:
- Teacher trainings will be in a virtual format (via Zoom). Educators should complete a beginner or advanced training once every five years in order to achieve continued success. Click here to access this registration.
- Teachers must provide their own equipment to participate in this project. (see list above)
- We cannot guarantee fertility of eggs.
- We cannot guarantee hatch of eggs, as so many factors can impact project success.
- Mark your calendar with important dates (listed above) and keep a lookout for updates via email.
- 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 and Refund Policy: Credit charges will be billed as 'University of Illinois' charges on your card statement. Checks must be received by February 15, 2025. 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.
Required Forms: Please complete all of the registration questions. 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 Education Enrichment Coordinator Katie McFarland at
ksm@illinois.edu, or call 630-553-5823. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your access needs.
THANK YOU for your participation! To order eggs, please complete the form below: