Get ready for some serious chirping and fluffy excitement! This spring, a group of Young Scholars are embarking on an incredible journey with the arrival of fertilized chicken eggs and an incubator which are housed in Ms. Frick’s 7th grade science classroom! This hands-on learning experience goes beyond textbook lessons, offering a front-row seat to the miracle of life not only for this grade level, but for all students at Key.

Through this project, students will:

• Witness the transformation: Weekly "candling" allows them to observe the development of chicks inside the eggs, building anticipation and fostering curiosity.
• Celebrate hatching day: The joy of witnessing the first chick peck its way out and the subsequent chorus of cheeps will create unforgettable memories.
• Become responsible caregivers: Students will learn about proper chick care, including feeding, watering, and maintaining their habitat, cultivating empathy and responsibility.
• Deepen their science understanding: This project goes beyond observation, offering opportunities to explore animal development, life cycles, and even genetics.

This is more than just a cool classroom activity; it's a unique opportunity for students to connect with science in a meaningful way, and we are very excited to share that some of the chicks will remain at Key!  We will extend our chicken project with the addition of a chicken coop, coming in March, where we will house 3-5 chickens, expanding the results of the hands on science experience. More to come on this adventure soon!

Rest assured that animal welfare is our top priority. We have partnered with a farm in Loudoun County for the eggs and have established clear safety protocols. Any chicks that do not remain at Key will be returned to the farm in Loudoun County, which will raise the chicks themselves or find homes for them.

Get ready for enthusiastic updates from students, and who knows, they might even get a chance to witness the hatching magic firsthand! We believe this project will leave a lasting impression on our students and ignite a passion for science and responsible animal care.