Corinth Elementary Hatches Hands-On STEM Lessons

For Corinth Elementary students in second through fourth grade, a lesson on life cycles has come to life in the most hands-on way imaginable: by incubating, hatching, and raising their own baby chicks.

The project, which spanned several weeks, began with students receiving fertilized eggs and placing them into a carefully monitored incubator. Under the guidance of STEM teacher Ms. Kim Jones, the young scientists were responsible for tracking the 21-day incubation period, and learning about the ideal temperature and humidity required for life to develop. They used flashlights in a process called “candling” to peer inside the eggs, witnessing the tiny embryos grow each week. “I loved candling the chicks because it showed their growth,” said Ella Kate Johnson, 4th grade student.

“Our main goal is to teach students about the chicken life cycle through direct observation and responsibility,” said Jones. “This project wasn’t directly about watching eggs hatch, it was involving teaching students about life and biological processes from beginning to the end.”

The real excitement erupted when the first tiny cracks, or “pips,” appeared on the eggshells. Students gathered around the incubator, watching with anticipation as the fluffy chicks fought their way into the world. Their scientific observations quickly turned into lessons in empathy and responsibility as they moved the newborns into a heated brooder, ensuring they had fresh food and water.

“The coolest part of the project was the hatching because I have never seen a chick hatch,” said Eva Dillon, 4th grade student. “I learned that it takes 21 days to hatch and some chicks hatch late. My favorite job was checking the incubator because it was exciting to see if one would hatch or not.”

All the students enjoyed playing with the chicks. “My favorite part was holding the chicks and watching them,” said Martha LillyAnn Peters, 4th grade student. “The most surprising thing I learned is that it takes a long time for chicks to hatch.”

“We hope the students will remember the excitement of seeing the first crack in the shell and the profound feeling of witnessing a new life emerge,” said Jones. “We also hope they’ll remember the responsibility of caring for the eggs and the chicks. The project teaches patience, empathy, and the interconnectedness of living things, lessons that go beyond the science curriculum.”

The project integrated all aspects of STEM. Students used science to understand biology and life cycles, technology via the incubator and heat lamps, engineering to help design and maintain the brooder, and math to chart the chicks' daily growth and calculate hatch rates. 

“A hands-on project like this makes the learning tangible and memorable. They get to see, feel and hear the process, which creates a stronger, more lasting connection to the material,” said Jones. “This type of learning also promotes problem-solving and critical thinking as they have to monitor the incubator and troubleshoot any issues that arise.”

Mr. Caleb Boswell, a current 5th grade teacher at Corinth Middle School, was an integral part of the science project. “Mr. C not only provided expert guidance on the incubation process but also donated the eggs needed to get the project started,” said Jones. “His insights into managing the incubator’s temperature and humidity were invaluable, and his generosity made the entire project possible.”

As the chicks grew stronger and their fuzz began to be replaced by feathers, the project entered its final, heartwarming phase. During Homecoming week, the school held a raffle for the students whose families had agreed to provide a safe and permanent home for the nine baby chicks. Cheers erupted as names were drawn. “It’s moments like these when learning is hands-on and fun that I truly love as a teacher,” said Jones. 

Johnson was one of the raffle winners and has enjoyed the experience of continuing to care for one of the chicks. “I love taking care of a brand-new chick. I am so thankful for the new chick and I named him Chestnut,” said Johnson.

For the school, the project was a resounding success, creating a memorable learning experience that went far beyond the classroom walls. As the chicks headed to their new homes, they leave behind a classroom of young scientists with a newfound appreciation for the miracle of life and the patience it requires.