Chickenology sampler
How do environment, heredity, and genetics affect living organisms?
This STEM-based poultry curriculum uses immersive learning experiences and real genetic samples for your students to dive deep in the future evolution of our food. See how environment influences heredity, and explore the evidence that suggests T. rex as our modern chicken’s and turkey’s ancestor. See teacher background →
Lessons
# Investigate environmental influence on evolution
How can environmental conditions impact growth rate, behavior and reproduction?
Files
Teacher background
This 8th grade life science focused unit, Chickenology, is designed to deliver science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) content.
Chickenology investigates middle and high school life science standards through the lens of the agricultural industry. Explore poultry ancestry, diversity and trait expression to determine how the modern fowl have been selected to meet consumer needs.
Ohio is a national leader in egg and poultry farming. Ohio is one of the largest egg producers in the United States (currently the second largest), ranks 9th in turkey farming and produces over 526 million pounds of chicken annually. Poultry products like turkey, chicken and eggs provide an excellent source of protein for consumers. Table eggs are produced in a variety of different habitats (conventional, cage-free, free-range, organic, etc.) and are often delivered to the store within 24–36 hours after being laid by hens (adult female chickens).
Ohio’s egg and poultry farmers are committed to providing safe, high-quality, and affordable food products for families across the state and nation, and are integral members of their local communities. In addition, these farmers are dedicated to providing excellent care to their flocks and being responsible stewards of the land, air and water surrounding their farms.
Ohio farmers produce both corn and soybeans to provide a nutritious feed for chickens of all life stages. Soybeans provide the protein needed for a developing chicken and turkey cells to form and grow during development. You can find out more about these professional development events at grownextgen.org.
Next gen science standards
Science and engineering practices
- Constructing explanations (for science) and designing solutions (for engineering)
- Engaging in argument from evidence
- Analyzing and interpreting data
Crosscutting concepts
- Cause and effect
- Stability and change
- Patterns
Disciplinary core ideas/content
- LS1B Growth and development of organisms
- LS2C Ecosystem dynamics, functioning and resilience
- LS4A Evidence of common ancestry and diversity
More resources
Chickenology career videos
These videos will introduce your students to careers related to Ohio poultry.
Virtual field trips
Ohio is the number 2 egg-producing state in the US, 9th for turkey farming, and we produce over 526 million pounds of chicken each year. These videos take you right inside the farms where it all happens.
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