This year, Caldwell County 4-H proudly delivered its Embryology School Enrichment Program to seven elementary schools, including two new schools participating for the first time! We were also thrilled to bring the program to our 4-H Homeschool Club, continuing our mission to provide fun, hands-on learning experiences to as many youth as possible.

Through this program, second-grade students explore the fascinating development of chicks during the 21-day incubation period. With the support of our incredible partners, United Way of Caldwell County and local farmer Haley Martinez of Rock House Farm, we provided classrooms with incubators, brooder boxes, heating lamps, a dozen fertilized eggs, and educational materials.

Students participated in a wide variety of engaging, hands-on lessons that connected science, math, English, and writing. This year’s teachers truly went above and beyond! They didn’t just participate—they embraced the program and integrated it into nearly every aspect of their curriculum.

At Valmead Elementary School, Mrs. Stutts and Ms. Sepulveda organized a heartwarming after-school "chick birthday party," inviting students’ families and community members to celebrate and learn. Over 300 guests attended! Mrs. Stutts shared,

“It was a good lesson in life, death, responsibility, respect for animals, all tied into the Scientific Method, keeping charts on temperature and humidity, and letting go of something you love.”

Meanwhile, at Granite Falls Elementary School, students hosted a lively “Chicken Palooza,” where family and friends were invited to see the chicks and enjoy a student-led play demonstrating all they had learned. Mrs. Jurney’s class transformed into little scientists who could tell you everything about chicken anatomy and embryology, many of them even knew more than we did!

We also hosted a special embryology experience for our 4-H Homeschool Club, where about 30 students participated. These students dissected eggs, built egg models, explored the chicken life cycle, and observed the hatching process via a live stream set up in the 4-H office. Some even got to witness the chicks hatching live in person—an unforgettable experience!

Embryology remains one of our absolute favorite programs, and watching the wonder on students’ faces as they learn and engage with life science is something we never tire of. This year, over 400 students participated, and around 300 chicks hatched and found new homes with local 4-H families and community members.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to offer even more enrichment opportunities for local schools. Upcoming programs include "Winged Wonders" (hatching butterflies), "Wiggles and Wags" (learning about dog behavior), and many more.

If you're a teacher interested in bringing a 4-H enrichment program to your classroom, we’d love to hear from you! Contact 4-H Agent Gabby Whorley at glwhorle@ncsu.edu or call (828) 757-1258.

To learn more about how youth can participate in 4-H or what is currently offered locally, contact

Caldwell County 4-H Agent Gabby Whorley at glwhorle@ncsu.edu. Families can also view local 4-H information online at caldwell.ces.ncsu.edu.

Caldwell County 4-H is a proud member agency of United Way. Gabby Whorley is the 4-H Youth Development Agent with N.C. Cooperative Extension, Caldwell County Center. The Caldwell County Center, 120 Hospital Ave. NE #1 in Lenoir, provides access to resources of N.C. State University and N.C. A&T State University through educational programs.