Materials
clean, empty soup cans
colored paper
buttons
stickers
beads
tree seedling
newspaper
glue
glossy magazines
child-safe scissors
colored felt
pencils
Instructions
* Have earthworms as well as separate containers of sand and soil ready.
What to Do
1. Let the children view the earthworms. Discuss the importance of worms in the
world. Explain that earthworms dig and mix soil, making it loose and airy for
plants to grow. As they tunnel, they leave behind waste that plants use as
fertilizer to make them strong.
2. Talk about how the overuse of pesticides can harm earthworms, since the
pesticides leach into the soil where the worms live.
3. Using the plastic shovel, let the children help you put several 1 1/2" layers of
sand and soil in the clear container.
4. Place the worms on top of the soil and cover them with some rotting leaves or
leaf mold.
5. Pour a little water on top to moisten the leaves. Let the children observe the
striped layers of sand and soil. Tape black paper around the container and put
it in a cool, dark place.
6. After a couple of days, remove the black paper and let the children see how
the earthworms have mixed the soil layers.
7. Set the earthworms free and use the soil to plant marigolds to give to the
children's families.
Assessment
Consider the following:
* Do the children show interest in and respect for worms they find outdoors?
* Can the children discuss the work done by worms, noting change in
soil layers?
