Do you remember participating in the incubation and embryology project, either as a student or as an adult? Odds are you are familiar with this program, just one part of Cornell Cooperative Extensions’ 4-H Youth Development programming. Extension educator Barb Sturm is again visiting Genesee County classrooms, delivering this exciting hands-on learning experience.
One component of Barbs’ job is Ag in the Classroom, an effort to help students, teachers and parents learn about agriculture, why it is important, why we should care, and how important agriculture is not only to Genesee County, but to the entire world!
What you may not know is why this program (incubation and embryology) exists, and why it matters. This interdisciplinary project is designed to provide youth with a “hands on” experience while classroom teachers have the opportunity to satisfy science, math and ELA core requirements. While watching the fuzzy little chicks find their way out of the eggs, youth are increasing their knowledge and developing personal confidence and leadership ability through related project activities. They are developing an interest in the science of embryology. And as they learn about incubation, hatching and brooding, they have opportunities to demonstrate the skills they have mastered in embryology.
This is one of the more well known programs that Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County offers as part of the 4-H Youth Development Program. There is so much more that 4-H offers to youth. Through hands-on, experiential learning, youth develop life skills including
Learning to Learn
• Developing intellectual curiosity
• Learning through experience
• Learning by using the five senses
Leading Self and Others
• Working on a team
• Identifying one's own competencies
Relating to Others
• Trusting one's self and others
• Accepting diversity
Communicating With Others
• Disagreeing and refusing
• Speaking before a group
• Creative expression
Planning and Organizing
• Setting short-term goals
Whether you are directly involved in this program or not, over the next few weeks, students in Alexander, Batavia, Bergen, Corfu, East Pembroke, Leroy, Oakfield and Pavilion will be learning all about it.
Donations and assistance have been received from Cargill, Harper Hill Farm, and the Genesee County Fur & Feather 4-H Club. Thank you one and all for your participation and support of this, and all, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County programming.
If you have questions or are interested in learning more about the Incubation and Embryology project, 4-H, or Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, please (585)343-3040, or visit our website, www.genesee.shutterfly.com
