Objective

By the end of this lesson, Willow will be able to document the process of chicken eggs developing in an incubator, from the moment they are placed inside until they hatch into chicks. She will learn about the incubation process, the needs of the eggs, and how to keep track of changes over time.

Materials and Prep

• Chicken eggs (fertilized)
• Incubator
• Notebook or journal for documentation
• Pens or pencils
• Camera or smartphone (optional for pictures)

Before starting the lesson, make sure the incubator is set up and functioning properly. Research the incubation period for chicken eggs, which typically lasts around 21 days. Familiarize yourself with the temperature and humidity requirements for the incubator.

Activities

• Egg Setup

  Willow will place the fertilized eggs into the incubator, ensuring they are positioned correctly. She can write down the date and time of setup in her journal.

• Daily Observations

  Every day, Willow will check the incubator's temperature and humidity. She will document her observations in her journal, noting any changes and what they might mean for the eggs.

• Egg Candling

  Willow can learn about candling eggs to check for development. She will gently hold a light source behind the eggs to see inside and document any signs of growth.

• Hatch Day Celebration

  On the expected hatch day, Willow can prepare a small celebration for the hatchlings. She will document the hatching process and take pictures if possible.

Talking Points

• "Did you know that chicken eggs need to be kept at a specific temperature to develop properly? It's usually around 99.5°F!"
• "The eggs need to be turned regularly to help the chicks develop evenly. How often do you think we should turn them?"
• "What do you think happens inside the egg as the days go by? Let's look for signs of development when we candle the eggs!"
• "The incubation period is about 21 days. Can you count how many days are left until hatch day?"
• "When the chicks hatch, they will be wet and tired at first. They need some time to rest before they start moving around!"