Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) Extension 4-H staff recently partnered with Houston Independent School District (HISD) youth at Codwell Elementary to organize a trip to the Poultry Science Research, Teaching, and Extension Center at Texas A&M University (TAMU) in College Station, Texas. This excursion provided fifth graders with a unique and hands-on learning experience. Future farmers had the opportunity to learn everything about chicken processing, from beak to feet and everything in between.
Student examining an egg by candling.
“To describe our experience at the TAMU poultry farm as “hands-on” is an understatement”, said PVAMU Extension 4-H Agent Charltiana Lewis.
The students witnessed the 21-day life cycle of a chick by opening an egg marked for each day of the 21 days and through candling. Egg Candling is a method used to observe the growth and development of an embryo inside an egg.
“After hearing some of the vivid details about preparing chickens for sale and distribution, I’m sure we all contemplated veganism. However, as we loaded the bus to depart the facility, the smell of piping hot Chick-fil-A filled the aisles, and the thoughts of veganism were distant,” recalled Lewis.
“The students were able to connect what they learned in the classroom to the real-life applications at the plant. Overall, this educational trip was a great success and an excellent way to promote practical learning for our future farmers”, said Lewis.
PVAMU Extension provides cutting-edge, research-based information to all Texans in support of our mission to build resilient families, improve farm sustainability, expand small businesses, and empower youth to be leaders now and into the future. Visit the PVAMU Extension webpage for more information.
Charltiana Lewis
4-H Extension Agent,
calewis@pvamu.edu
