Curiosity motivates learning at AFIA and this winter and spring, eggs elicited a lot of student interest.  We aren’t talking chocolate eggs or scrambled eggs.  We investigated chicken eggs.  In classrooms and in LACES, our students gained content knowledge through literature and learning experiences. Take a look at some of the resources that guided our early learning:  Hatching Chickens Text Set

After discussing a book about chicken embryo development, student created artifacts to share their learning.

There is no learning that sticks like experiential learning, so our next step was to hatch eggs in an incubator.  We observed the 21-day process as the chickens developed.

Our goal was to keep the temperature and humidity constant.  To ensure healthy development, our incubator turned the eggs every two hours.

Our students were greeted by ten tiny balls of fluff, when they returned from Spring Break.  Learning continued as students captured their observations in writing and drawing.  They also recorded questions that they had about the chickens.

Our baby chicks.

One of our kindergarten students recorded his observations.

The nurturing and loving spirit of AFIA shined as students cared for our chickens.  Multiple students willingly accepted caretaking jobs, including cleaning the cage and replenishing food and water daily.  One of our fourth graders assisted many classes as they interacted with the chicks and even taught our students to quiet chickens using deep breathing.

We were surprised to learn that when we held the chickens and took deep breaths, the chickens would calm.

Second grade students interacting with our chickens.

Our students and chickens enjoyed recess together.

Just as our students grow with love and care, so did our chickens.  They no longer were dependent on a heat lamp to stay warm and had gained enough feathers to regulate their body temperatures outside.  Additionally, they had outgrown our indoor cage.  April 28th, our chickens went to live with Ms. JJ (an AFIA teacher) and her family.  Although we know the chickens will be happier outside, we were very sad to see them go.  Our fourth graders went on to use the design thinking process to create chicken coop designs.

Students worked in small groups to create coops that would meet the needs of chickens.

Groups considered layout, function, and materials needed.

Unfortunately, all good things come to an end—and the school year is nearly over.  Our hope is to refine the chicken coop designs in the fall and add a chicken coop to our playground.  We are hoping to find expertise in the community that would help make this happen.  Please email Ms. Gwen at gwen.vanasselt@afiakc.org, if you are willing to help us build a chicken coop.  Our students have showed us they are curious, motivated, engaged, and willing to put in the work to keep chickens at our school.

Academy for Integrated Arts is a PK – 6th arts integrated, public charter school. We believe children more deeply when they engage in the arts as part of the core curriculum. To learn more about our school, please visit: https://afiakc.org/.