Buncombe County 4-H instructor pulling apart an egg to show students the different parts of the egg.

Last school year, North Buncombe Elementary students had egg-citing learning experience thanks to Buncombe County 4-H.

Students paying attention to what the instructor is saying.

Guided by a 4-H educator, students discovered the life cycle of a chicken - from the egg stage to the fluffy chick that emerges weeks later. They explored what conditions are needed for an egg to develop, learned how to care for the animals, and exclaimed eggs up close. 


Students raising hands to ask questions.

The lesson didn’t end with the presentation. The group of students received a set of eggs and an incubator, giving them the opportunity to put their new knowledge into action. Over the following weeks, they monitored the eggs, tracked their progress, and eagerly awaited the moment when tiny beaks began to crack through the shells. 


Instructor using a black light flashlight on a students hands to show how well he washed his hands before handling an egg.

By the end of the project, the students had not only witnessed the miracle of life firsthand but also gained a deeper understanding of responsibility, patience, and animal care. The experience left many students eager to learn more about agriculture and the importance animals play in our world.