Embryology School Projects
Embryology is the study of the development of an embryo from conception to birth in any animal species. You can use the study of embryology with your students to help them learn more about the development of a certain animal or within the framework of sex education. Hands on activities will help bring the project to life. You can tailor your activities to children from 3rd grade through high school.
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Drawing the Phases
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Ask students to research the different phases of embryo development in an animal of their choice, then draw different key stages of development and present them to the class as an oral presentation. This can be done in conjunction with an art class to help tie all of the subjects students are learning together. Students can find information on the phases through Internet searches (make sure if you are using Google that the Safe Search is set to "On", which can be done by performing a quick preliminary search and clicking "Safe Search" next to the text box and selecting "Strict" from the drop down menu) or books from the library. Students can use reference books such as "In the Womb: Witness the Journey from Conception to Birth through Astonishing 3D Images" by Peter Tallack or "A Child is Born" by Lennart Nilsson, although the latter is more appropriate for high school age students.
Power Point
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This can be an add-on to student drawing or it can be a completely separate project. Have each student pick an animal to discuss for their project. Using Power Point on the computer, or with a media teacher, ask the students to create a simple presentation on the development of that particular embryo. Have students present their Power Point to the rest of the class.
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Hatching Your Own Embryo
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Some 4-H clubs are willing to work with schools in order help them learn more about animal science. Contact your local 4-H club (see Resources) and ask them about working with your classroom. This may include 4-H setting up an incubator so that your class may help hatch chicks or setting up an aquarium so that your students can watch tadpoles develop. This project ensures a hands-on experience for children.
The Developing Human Embryo
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As the human embryo develops, it begins to acquire more awareness and level of senses. Have your students write down each stage of development, and next to it discuss what is happening at this stage. This project is a way to get students to do some independent research while learning about how the human embryo is developing. Make sure they include benchmarks such as when the embryo begins to hear, feel and other senses. Children can do this in class, conducting searches on the Internet or through books in the school or local library. When doing searches in the classroom, make sure your browser is set to "Safe Search". This is done in Google by entering in a preliminary search term, clicking "Safe Search" and choosing "Strict" from the drop down menu. Younger students may appreciate books such as "Before You Were Born" by Jennifer Davis and "Zig Zag: What's in the Egg?" by Becky Baines.
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