Q: Could you tell me how to construct a candle for viewing the embryo development or where I could purchase one? [Question submitted by Pathze@aol.com]

A: Here are some starting points for constructing a candler from an instructor packet by the Champaign County Cooperative Extension Service (4-H School Enrichment: Incubation and Embryology, 1996, page 14-15).

Materials that you will need for a candler in classroom include the following:

• Overhead projector
• Black construction paper or some opaque material
• A small box similar to a pencil box or candy box

The packet lists a procedure for constructing the candler in the classroom:

• First, cut a hole approximately one inch in diameter in the center of the black or similar type paper.
• Second, cut holes in the sides of the small pencil or similar type box.
• Third, now lay the egg on the box for observation of embryonic growth.

One suggestion. Please get in touch with your county cooperative extension service for classroom resources on incubation and embryology.