Chicks

Some of the fourth-grade students expressed interest in becoming self-sustainable if going on a mission in outer space, specifically the Moon. They thought that chickens would provide important nutrition for astronauts and asked if they could get some. I have never raised chickens before, but how hard can it be? I said yes if they would take care of them.

One student particularly interested in getting the chicks did her homework and brought me a list of all the things I would need for our chickens. I scrounged around and found an old rabbit cage in the school storage room. I already had a heat lamp we used for an experiment about the transfer of light energy depending on a container's color. I also visited my neighbors, who raise a few chickens, and I borrowed a feeder and a watering container from them.

The chicks were a big hit with almost everyone. A handful of students visit the STEAM room during their recess time so they can get a few more moments with the chicks.

Last week I transferred the chicks to a larger container. It used to be the home of a tortoise, but the tortoise ran away from his summer caretaker leaving the box empty. Today the chicks looked ready to go outside. I think I will keep them in the classroom a bit longer so the students can still hold them. The chicks seem to like perching on the shoulders of some students.

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