Big lessons taught from a small incubator

Mrs. Amy McManigal's 6th grade students begin each year learning about life cycles, birth rates, death rates, populations and ecosystems.

These large lessons capture the students' attention because they are taught in an small incubator.

On Sunday, Sept. 3, two dozen chicken eggs went into McManigal's incubator and students anxiously wait for them to begin hatching, generally in 21 days. Their baby chicks are expected around Sept. 24, but students will keep a close eye on them for days after hatching.

"We always keep the chicks in a heated brooder in the classroom for about a week to make su...