4-H Embryology: The development of life

The 4-H Embryology Program engages youth in the development of life through incubating chicken eggs.

Have you ever wondered if there is a way to see how life actually begins? 4-H Embryology Programs can help youth observe the beginning of life through incubating chicken eggs. Over the course of 21 days, fertilized chicken eggs grow, develop and change right before your eyes. Each day something new happens!

The Beginning of Life curriculum from the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service is a wonderful resource that sets out specific goals and objectives for learning through hands0on, experiential learning lessons. The overall goal of the embryology program is to:

  • Teach responsibility and caring for living things.
  • Teach respect for life and the value of living things.
  • Emphasize a “hands-on” experience with living things.
  • Help youth grasp developmental processes and stages of growth.
  • Introduce and explain the topic of reproduction to youth.
  • Introduce youth to scientific processes and other areas of science.

Michigan State University Extension’s 4-H Youth Development is offering two, one-day trainings for 4-H volunteers, 4-H teen leaders and K-8 teachers who may be interested in learning how 4-H Embryology may fit into their club, afterschool or classroom experiences. The first training will take place Jan. 13, 2016, at the MSU Credit Union, 4825 E Mt Hope Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The second training will take place Jan. 23, 2016, at the Richard Yuill Alpine Center, 800 Livingston Blvd, 4A-2, Gaylord, MI 49735, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. To register, click on the following links: Jan. 13 Embryology Program Training or Jan. 23 Embryology Program Training.

For more information, please contact me at ockerka@anr.msu.edu.

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