Egg Layer Production

Lesson Plans & Curriculum
High School
90 minutes

This is a National FFA Organization and U.S. Poultry and Egg Association lesson plan on egg layer production within the commercial poultry and egg industry. Students learn the purpose of laying hens, where eggs come from and the size of the U.S. egg industry, the reproductive physiology and egg formation process, systems for raising laying hens, and the life cycle of a laying hen. The lesson uses group mini-presentations or paper-slide videos, graphic organizers, and worksheets, and integrates FFA/SAE connections.

At a glance

Learning objectives: Understand the purpose of egg laying hens.

Identify where our eggs come from and the size of the egg industry in the United States.

Identify the components of the reproductive physiology and explain how eggs form.

Describe different systems for raising laying hens.

Examine the life cycle of a laying hen.
Time required: 90 minutes
Grade level: 9-10
Materials: A copy of the "Mini-Presentation Information Cards," one card per group

A copy of the "Mini-Presentation Graphic Organizer" for each student

A copy of the "Mini-Presentation Project" worksheet for each student

A copy of the "All About the EGGS!" worksheet for each student
Essential Questions: 1. Why does the commercial poultry industry exist? 2. Where do most of the eggs for the U.S. come from? 3. How does a chicken egg form? 4. Why do some people choose to raise laying hens in cages and others on the floor? 5. How long do chickens live in a typical production agriculture setting?
Terms: Laying Hen, Molt, Egg, Push-out (mature or spent hen), Follicle, Ovulation, Infundibulum (funnel), Magnum, Isthmus, Cuticle, Uterus, Vent, Shell, Calcium, Cage House, Cage Free or Floor House, Aviary, Embryo, Free Range, Fertile, Cage Free, Organic
Resources: The United Egg Producers (unitedegg.org); Eggcyclopedia; "Egg Production" video; National FFA Poultry Evaluation Career Development Event Handbook; "How to Make a Paper Slideshow" video; "2018 Star Farmer Austin Stanton" video; "Egg Layer Production" PowerPoint
Created: 07/2019 by the National FFA Organization

Downloads & Links

Lesson plan

Egg Layer Production (DOCX) (EN)

Presentation

Egg Layer Production (PPTX) (EN)

Aligned Standards

AFNR Career Ready Practices

CRP.02Apply appropriate academic and technical skills. Career-ready individuals readily access and use the knowledge and skills acquired through experience and education to be more productive.
CRP.04Communicate clearly, effectively, and with reason. Career-ready individuals communicate thoughts, ideas and action plans with clarity, whether using written, verbal and/or visual methods.

AFNR Cluster Skills

CS.02Evaluate the nature and scope of the Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Career Cluster and the role of agriculture, food and natural resources (AFNR) in society and the economy.
CS.06Analyze the interaction among AFNR systems in the production, processing and management of food, fiber and fuel and the sustainable use of natural resources.

AFNR Performance Element

AS.01Analyze historic and current trends impacting the animal systems industry.
AS.02Utilize best-practice protocols based upon animal behaviors for animal husbandry and welfare.
AS.03Design and provide proper animal nutrition to achieve desired outcomes for performance, development, reproduction and/or economic production.
AS.05Evaluate environmental factors affecting animal performance and implement procedures for enhancing performance and animal health.
AS.06Classify, evaluate, and select animals based on anatomical and physiological characteristics.
CS.01Analyze how issues, trends, technologies and public policies impact systems in the agriculture, food & natural resources career cluster.

Common Career Technical Core

AG-ANI1Analyze historic and current trends impacting the animal systems industry.
AG-ANI2Utilize best-practice protocols based upon animal behaviors for animal husbandry and welfare.
AG-ANI3Design and provide proper animal nutrition to achieve desired outcomes for performance, development, reproduction and/or economic production.
AG-ANI5Evaluate environmental factors affecting animal performance and implement procedures for enhancing performance and animal health.
AG-ANI6Classify, evaluate, and select animal based on anatomical and physiological characteristics.
AG1Analyze how issues, trends, technologies and public policies impact systems in the Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Career Cluster.
AG2Evaluate the nature and scope of the Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Career Cluster and the role of agriculture, food, and natural resources (AFNR) in society and the economy.
AG6Analyze the interaction among AFNR systems in the production, processing, and management of food, fiber, and fuel and the sustainable use of natural resources.

Common Core – Speaking and Listening

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.1Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9-10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.2Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.4Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and task.

Common Core – Writing

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.2Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.

FFA Precept

FFA-CS-M.CommunicationEffectively interact with others in personal and professional settings.
FFA.PG-J.Mental GrowthEmbrace cognitive and intellectual development relative to reasoning, thinking and coping.
FFA.PL-A.ActionAssume responsibility and take the necessary steps to achieve the desired results, no matter what the goal or task at hand.

FFA Precepts

FFA.CS-N.Decision MakingAnalyze a situation and execute an appropriate course of action.

NASDCTEc

AGC10.03Compare and contrast issues affecting the AFNR industry including biotechnology, employment, safety, environmental and animal welfare to demonstrate an understanding of the trends and issues important to careers in this industry.
AGPC01.01Produce and/or manage animals in domesticated and/or natural environments using an application of knowledge regarding anatomy and physiology to enhance animal production.
AGPC01.02Recognize and interpret animal behaviors and execute protocols for safe handling to facilitate safety for both animals and humans.
AGPC01.03Provide proper nutrition using accepted protocols and processes to maintain animal performance.
AGPC01.05Evaluate environmental factors affecting animal performance and implement procedures for enhancing performance to demonstrate an effective application of principles to optimize performance.