Eggs to Ducklings

While the Winter Rye was growing in the garden this winter, we took a detour as we waited.  Exploring the tremendous growth of an Amaryllis and watching for roots as we started beans, carrots and onions in doors are just a few of the investigations keeping us busy.  But, alas, the most exciting investigation may well be the baby ducks.  Our adventure began with the ordering of 20 duck eggs.  And then, they arrived...in the mail.

Measuring the eggs

Putting the eggs into the egg turner

Watching and waiting while the eggs were incubating

Candling the eggs shows growth

The children were amazed to see through the egg shell. They continued prepare for the ducklings to hatch by designing and building a place for them to live.  The place for hatchlings is called a brooder.  It provides warmth and comfort much like the mother duck would do.

Our brooder blueprints

An architect reviewed our blueprints for the brooder

A wild duck arrived on our playground

We stood on one foot just like the wild duck

Finally, it was time to begin construction.  Ms. Stoltz's learning did research to find out what was needed for the ducklings and the brooder.  Ms. Olson's learning group was in charge of designing the blueprints and adding fancy details to the brooder.  Ms. Haddon's learning group focused on the construction.  Together with the support of Ms. Haddon's father and Olivia's aunt and uncle, the brooder was built.   

Brooder construction involves measuring and planning

It is almost time for hatching, so the eggs incubate without the automatic egg turner

It almost time for the ducklings to hatch!