The Wonder of Worms

 So how do you like your worms - on the sidewalk after a rain, in the soil in your garden making tunnels, wriggling on the end of your hook, or in a bag from the candy store?! Today we explored the world of worms and decided that they are actually very interesting creatures known as  invertebrates - soft bodies, no legs and no backbone.

Use the pictures below to tell the your family about the worm who holds the record for being the longest worm in the world!

Worm Hunt

Armed with trowels and containers, our mission was to discover all the different places worms can be found around the farm and to collect a few specimens for study later. See if you can name all the places where you found them and think about which place seemed to the most popular with the worms.

Watching Worms in Action

Our ‘specimens’ were happy to show us how they use their muscles, tiny bristles, and fluid to stretch out and contract (get shorter) in order to move around. Do you remember the clue for being able to tell the front end from the back end of a worm? Were you one of the lucky ones who got to see how the worm’s excretory system works? Talk to your family about our worm experiment and what you discovered.

Worm games

When we read the book, “Diary of a Worm”, we were able to see the world from a worm’s point of view. What were some of the challenges the worm had in this story?

In our games, ‘Robin, Robin, Who has the Worm?’ and ‘Robin Tug of War’, how did it feel to be the worm? How do you think these experiences might change the way you’ve been treating worms?

Our germination project has finally moved to stage 2 with some of your seeds being ready to be transplanted. We all had a lot to learn about how to successfully get a seed to sprout. Some of us found that it was as much work as looking after a new born baby brother or sister! What things would you do differently next time? The next stage should be easier. Just remember to water your new seeds as well as your seedling when the soil starts to get dry and make sure it is getting enough light. We look forward to hearing all about the progress your ‘little ones’ have made in 2 weeks time!

It was certainly a wonderful day full of many wonders! Which discoveries surprised you the most today?

Thank you for the thoughtful questions you ask and the interesting ideas you share. You are the best nature detectives, spotting new discoveries everywhere we go (or even in the middle of a group activity)! It’s certainly nice to have some time alone when you’re out in nature but there’s also an energy when like-minded nature enthusiasts get together!