Classroom Incubators

Educational Classroom Incubators

Biology is a big part of how we understand ourselves and the world around us. When discussing life cycles, many teachers enjoy hatching chicken eggs in an incubator with their students. Other sciences use incubators for growing cultures or doing research. All of the incubators here are suitable for use in the classroom. These egg incubators feature many of the qualities that are needed for classroom use.

Classroom Incubator Considerations

Visibility

When you have a classroom full of young scientists, everyone is going to want to see the eggs. That is why one of the most important factors when selecting your classroom egg incubator is the visibility. Some incubators feature large picture windows, like the ReptiPro 6000 and the R-Com 20. These incubators allow you to see all of your eggs, and makes it easier for a large group to have access during demonstrations.

Durability Vs. Disposability 

Incubators range in price from the very high to the very low. Since many classroom incubators are only used once a year and then stored for the bulk of the year, you will want to consider whether you want to purchase a more durable unit that will withstand all of the attention it gets in the classroom year after year, or if you want to go with a less expensive model that can easily be replaced. There are benefits to both sides. With the less expensive models you don't have to worry about disinfecting  and storing them throughout the year. With the higher end models, you won't have to reshop, will have better hatch rates, and will feel confident that it is going to work properly when you take it out of storage. 

Packages

Instead of getting all of the items you need for an incubation project, there are packages available. Some kits, like the Brinsea Octagon 20 Advance Classroom Pack, include not only the incubator, but also brooder and panels, feeder and waterer, disinfectant, egg candler, and a lesson plan included!  These packages are a great deal and include items you can't otherwise purchase individually. Whatever you do, don't forget the candler! It's the best part of incubation (except for the hatching!).

Classroom incubators delight many children and teach them about sustainability, life cycles, and the precious nature of life itself.