Students Delight in Ridgeview’s Chick Hatching Program

Throughout early May, anticipation grew as students carefully monitored their classroom incubator, learning patience while preparing for the arrival of their feathered friends. During this time, students actively studied proper chick care, from temperature requirements to feeding routines, preparing them to become responsible caretakers.

The classroom expected three chicken breeds to emerge: lavender orpingtons, barred rocks, and olive eggers.

On day 9 of incubation, students became young scientists, using a process called candling to peer inside the developing eggs. By carefully illuminating the eggs, they could see the chicks forming inside their shells. The classroom was filled with excitement as students witnessed biology in action.

After 21 days of careful observation, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived. As the first chicks began breaking through their shells using their special egg tooth, students made a discovery: the newly hatched chicks would peep to their siblings still inside their eggs, essentially telling them "it's time to hatch!"

Now that the chicks have successfully hatched, students are enjoying hands-on learning as they care for their classroom visitors. Many students have already expressed interest in adopting chicks to take home, showing how this experience has fostered both scientific curiosity and genuine care for living creatures.

This immersive learning experience has given Ridgeview's second graders memories that will last a lifetime, while teaching valuable lessons about life cycles, responsibility, and the incredible processes that occur in nature every day.

This story aligns with Goal 2 of our Strategic Plan: all students will develop habits and behaviors that elevate student voice, resilience, and personal ownership in a safe, caring, and supportive environment. To learn more about our strategic plan, visit ysd7.org/strategicplan.