Incubation & Embryology for Schools

Start
01/26/2026
End
06/30/2026

Registration

Session 1 - February 25th - March 26th – $40.00
Session 2 - April 8th - May 6th – $40.00
Session 3 - May 13th - June 10th – $40.00

THIS PROGRAM IS FOR SCHOOLS ONLY

CHICK INCUBATION & EMBRYOLOGY is an exceptional way to study the development of life. This program provides a wonderful introduction to the study of biology and the life cycle as well as reproduction and embryological development.

It is an exciting way for you and your students to learn by actual hands-on experience. You can watch the developing embryo change into a beautiful baby chick in just 21 days. The process of "candling" shows this cycle of events. There is so much joy and excitement when the cute, fluffy, newborn chick emerges from its shell.

Please read the requirements of this program in its entirety before registering. Once you register, you will receive a “Welcome Email” from Zoe with more program information and details. If you have any questions, please contact Zoe Nafis at zrl7@cornell.edu.

PROGRAM PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITIES:

Animal Care Priority: Chicks are your responsibility! If health/mobility issues are not immediately disclosed, you are subject to being refused fertile eggs in the future. The welfare of the chicks and developing embryos is the highest priority. Participants must demonstrate appropriate and consistent care before and after hatching.
Program Conduct: Participants are expected to be patient, respectful, and cooperative. Please note that program procedures and requirements are subject to change as the program continues to develop.
Mandatory Zoom Training: Attendance at the Incubation & Embryology (I&E) Teacher Training Zoom session hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension on February 10th at 5:00 pm is required. This training is essential for program success. Participants unable to attend must contact Zoe at zrl7@cornell.edu prior to the session. The zoom link will be provided in your welcome email after your registration is complete. If you cannot attend live, the recording will be sent to you, but you MUST watch the recording before you receive your eggs.
Manual Review: Participants must thoroughly review the Hatching Chicks Manual prior to beginning the program.
Payment Terms: You can pay by check, credit card (on the registration site), or invoice, which will be sent via email. Purchase orders are allowed.
Kit Pickup: Incubation kits must be picked up by teacher or staff enrolled in the program from Cornell Cooperative Extension, 18 Seward Ave, Suite 300, Middletown, NY, on the assigned pickup date.
Shared Folder Access: Participants will receive an invitation to a shared Box folder. Acceptance of this invitation is required. The folder contains essential instructional materials and allows collaboration among participating teachers.
Egg Delivery Coordination: Prior to egg delivery, the school’s main office must be informed that eggs will be arriving. Zoe will be dropping off eggs on your assigned drop off day.
Required Documentation: Participants must complete the Demographics Sheet and ensure that parents complete the Photo Release Form. Both documents are located in the “REQUIRED” subfolder of the Box folder and must be submitted by the program’s conclusion. If a parent declines to sign the Photo Release Form, please make a clear notation. Guidance counselors may assist with the completion of the Demographics Sheet.
Animal Health and Emergencies: Some chicks may hatch with complications. Participants should refer to the training video for symptom guidance. If a concern arises, contact Zoe immediately at 973-222-9671 and provide photos or videos if possible. In-person assistance may be arranged if necessary.
End-of-Program Procedures: On the morning of the scheduled pickup day, place chicks in the provided small box. Discard bedding, food, and water, and thoroughly clean all brooding materials and the incubator using warm water and a mild cleaning agent (bleach or Dawn dish soap). Return all cleaned materials neatly packed in the brooder box. Zoe will pick up materials from the school and will let you know an approximate time of day so you can be ready. We recommend if there are more than one teachers in the school in the program, put your materials together to make it easier for pickup.
Material Return: All equipment and supplies provided by Cornell Cooperative Extension must be returned in full on the designated pickup day.
Program Contact: Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County is the primary point of contact for all program communications and inquiries.
Chick Custody and Ownership: Participants may not relocate chicks without prior approval from CCEOC. Chicks may be taken home for the weekend only after hatching, but all chicks must be returned to Cornell Cooperative Extension on the scheduled pickup day. All eggs and chicks remain the property of Cornell Cooperative Extension. Per New York State law, it is prohibited to purchase fewer than six chicks.
Program Selection: The dates selected in the registration are final. There are no adjustments to the dates of the program.

ROUND 1

Kit Pickup: 2/25
Egg Dropoff: 3/2
Candling: 3/9-3/11
Chick Pickup: 3/26

ROUND 2

Kit Pickup: 4/6
Egg Dropoff: 4/8
Candling: 4/20-4/22
Chick Pickup: 5/6

ROUND 3

Kit Pickup: 5/11
Egg Dropoff: 5/13
Candling: 5/25-5/27
Chick Pickup: 6/10

Join us
Incubation & Embryology for Schools

Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization. 845-344-1234. 18 Seward Avenue, Middletown, NY 10940

Call Us:

Office: 845-344-1234

Address:

Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County

18 Seward Avenue, Suite 300

Middletown, NY 10940