Today we placed our eggs in the incubator. We are doing this Embryology (the study of embryos) through the 4-H program of Penn State University. The students will be using one of their guides as we learn about the growth and development of an egg.
The incubator is set up in our room. It must stay between 99-103 degrees. There are thermometers inside of the incubator which will help us make sure the temperature is correct. (The mother hen usually sits on her eggs during the incubation period. This is God's natural way of the mother preparing her chicks for their arrival)
The students made a little "nest" for their egg today. We used pipe cleaners to help support the eggs so they can stay upright in the incubator. The students also made an "X" on one end and an "O" on the other end. The eggs will be turned three times a day and this will help the students know which end was up last. (Also, interesting fact- the mother hen uses her feet and beak to turn the eggs when she is sitting on them)
The eggs need to be turned three times a day. The students will take turns checking the eggs. They will mark the time, the temperature of the room and the incubator and make any observation of changes to the eggs.
Next Wednesday, we have a friend coming from Penn State to talk to us about the process and what is happening inside the egg. She will teach us how to "candle" the egg (put the egg in front of a film strip projector to actually see if the chick is growing). She will also teach us more about this process and share her experience with us.
We will do this for about 18 days. At the end of the 18 days, the chicks will start pecking away at the eggshells. We will then transport the chicks (once completely hatched) into a new home. After that, if anyone is interested in taking their chick home, please email me (lherr@lccs.cc) so I can know ahead of time. We need to find homes for the ones who will not go home with a student.
I will do my best to continue to post pictures. Have a wonderful day!
1 comment:
You are such a super cool teacher! Thanks for taking the time to do such an experiment! The students will never forget this!
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