IOWA 4-9 SCIENCE PROJECT

Teacher Guide for: Earthworm Habitats RETA LEMON
ECOLOGY.46K Grades 4-6

CONCEPT OBJECTIVES:
Students will investigate a designated area to determine the best habitat for earthworms.

PROCESS OBJECTIVES:
Students will develop predicting, observing and recording skills.

TEACHER INFORMATION:
Before beginning this activity remind students to treat the earthworms gently and keep them out of direct sunlight and wind. Also, remind the students to return the soil and soil coverings to their original state.

MATERIALS:
For each group of 2-3
1 recording sheet
1 clipboard (or something firm to write on)
1 pencil
1 digging tool (garden trowel, large old spoon etc.)

EXPLORATION:
Divide the students into groups of 2-3 depending upon the number of students in the class. Direct each group upon arriving at the designated place to investigate to:
1. Select a recorder, digger, and observer.
2. Design the recording sheet to facilitate recording their predictions, soil conditions, number of earthworms, comments, and the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th places.
3. Observe the area.
4. Predict the four most likely places where earthworms could be found. Record these predictions.
5. Uncover the surface materials (to be replaced when finished digging) and dig to find earthworms.
6. Record their findings and observations at each site.

CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT:
Bring the group together either at the observation site or back in the classroom to discuss their findings. On a large sheet of oaktag, overhead, or blackboard have the recorder of each group share their information. Encourage the groups to share the reasons for their predictions and site selections. Encourage them also, to compare the sites and numbers of worms found at each and offer explanations for the numbers or lack of numbers.

APPLICATION:
Challenge each group to:
1. Plan the ideal habitat for four or five earthworms.
2. Collect the materials for their ideal habitat.
3. Collect the earthworms to put in the habitat.
4. Test their habitat over a designated time to observe how well their earthworm has adapted.
5. Share their observations and "How to Create the Ideal Habitat" directions for their classmates.

EVALUATION:
Recording instruments, teacher observations and the shared results of their application experiments are all valid methods of evaluating this activity.