Lessons in real life

Students at Judge Haynes Elementary learned something new in the classroom this spring, but it didn't come from books.

Their lessons came from a 4-H curriculum called "Chick it Out" that teaches about chicken embryology.

The learning experience was made possible by many Portland organizations and gives merit to Hillary Clinton's quote that "It takes a village to raise a child."

Cara Kobza, extension educator for 4-H youth development at Purdue Extension, first spoke with Trent Paxson, principal of Judge Haynes Elementary in Portland, about implementing the chick curriculum at the school. "I just asked him if I could pilot it," Kobza said with excitement.

Paxson thought it was a great idea and soon Judge Haynes third grade teacher Rex Pinkerton and fourth grade teacher Jenny Stout were on board as well. Kobza said Paxson is a former 4-H member and he and his dad have done poultry judging for FFA.

Kobza said there is no cost for the curriculum and, "The lesson plans integrate the concepts of chick embryology into easy-to-use math, science, and language arts activities."

Kobza said of her duties at Purdue Extension, "We are to promote more science in the schools, with little or no cost to the teachers." She said this program helps fulfill part of that obligation.

Kobza said she was willing to help apply for the teacher grants, but Pinkerton and Stout took the initiative and applied for the grants themselves from The Portland Foundation. They used the grant money to purchase incubators for their classrooms and Melissa Muhlenkamp, a Jay County 4-H volunteer, FFA advisor and ag teacher at JCHS, provided the eggs for the incubators.

Jay County High School FFA members, Isaac Collins, Sam Brelsford and Jacob Heitkamp set up the incubators in the classrooms at Judge Haynes and talked to students and teachers about how to handle the eggs and watering techniques.

Even though only one egg hatched in the incubator in Mr. Pinkerton's classroom, the children are very excited and have lovingly named the brown furry chick "Chirps."

The eggs had to be turned twice a day and the incubation period is 21 days. No eggs hatched in Stout's incubator. In her teacher review to Kobza about the program, Stout stated that "Kids worried about eggs." Kobza said even though no eggs hatched, "They still learn."

Pinkerton reported that "The students became 'care takers' of the eggs and chick; they checked on them frequently." He also said he would be willing to do the experiment again.

Kobza plans to present the students at Judge Haynes Elementary with "Certificates of Appreciation for Eggcellent Work" in the 4-H program and Mr. Pinkerton plans to take Chirps home.

If any other Jay County schools are interested in the "Chick it Out" program, they may contact Kobza at Purdue Extension at (260) 726-4707.

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