This story was originally posted on April 29, 2025
In classrooms across EMS ISD, students are getting an up-close look at one of nature’s most fascinating processes, the lifecycle of a chicken. As part of the districtwide chick hatching program, every elementary school is currently incubating fertilized eggs and tracking the development of the chicks inside.
Students are already learning about the lifecycle of a chicken and how it grows inside the egg, from embryo to hatchling. The next big milestone in the process is Flashlight Day, a hands-on moment of discovery when students will hold the egg up to a light on the incubator and see the chick moving inside.
“This project really brings science to life,” said KayLeigh Nava, 1st grade teacher at Willow Creek Elementary School. “Students are able to see the full lifecycle unfold
inside the egg, and they are completely engaged in learning every step of the way.”
The chick hatching program is a districtwide initiative in EMS ISD, bringing consistent science enrichment experiences to all elementary campuses. Recently, the program was recognized with the Darlene Myatt Friend of Children Award, presented by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, for its innovative approach to elementary science instruction.
“For many of our students, this is the first time they’ve ever seen a real chicken in person,” said Nava. “It makes the learning stick because they’re not just hearing about it or seeing a picture, they’re part of it.”
Beginning May 13, EMS ISD will launch a live camera feed here on the district website so families and the community can watch along as the chicks begin to hatch.
