How do worms behave?
Initial Publication Date: August 3, 2009
Summary
In this science lab, students investigate how worms will interact/adapt with their environment. The students will test how a worm will react when introducing white/black paper, or bright light. Students will compile observations from their lab experience and place them in their science journal.
CollapseLearning Goals
Students will observe/describe how animals (worms) adapt in different environments.
Context for Use
This lab is for Kindergarten to 1st grade and any class size. For this lab, about 20 to 30 minutes is needed. The materials needed for this lab is as follows (per group of two): one earthworm, two hand lenses, one piece of black paper, and one piece of white paper. This activity comes from the curriculum, McMillan McGraw Hill: Science: A Closer Look, 2008 Edition, Grade K, Teacher Edition, Page 102.
Description and Teaching Materials
The activity should start out with prior knowledge of the students. The teacher can ask questions like, Where do worms live? When do worms come out of the ground? Do worms like being cold, hot, etc.? As a class, fill out a class OKWHL Chart.
The teacher should explain that the students will be working with live worms and they need to be handled delicately. They need to be very gentle with the worms.
Then, the teacher should explain the lab to the students Explain...the students will be given one worm one earthworm, two hand lenses, one piece of black paper, and one piece of white paper. The students will be observing how a worm will react in different environments.
The students should first make a prediction about the lab in their journals. Have the students draw a picture of how the worm react to the black and white paper, and the light.
Then the students will continue with the lab as follows:
1. Pass out one white and one black piece of paper to each pair of students.
2. Pass out one worm to each pair of students.
3. The students should observe and journal which pieces of paper the worm is moving to.
4. Have the students use their hand lens to observe what the worm looks like and how it moves, etc...
5. Have the students come together as a class and do a demonstration with a bright lamp.
6. Shine the lamp on the worm and observe how it reacts.
7. As a class discuss what happens.
8. Discuss how worms react in and adapt in these situations.
9. The students draw or write their conclusions in the science journal.
This activity comes from the curriculum, McMillan McGraw Hill: Science: A Closer Look, 2008 Edition, Grade K, Teacher Edition, Page 102.
The teacher should explain that the students will be working with live worms and they need to be handled delicately. They need to be very gentle with the worms.
Then, the teacher should explain the lab to the students Explain...the students will be given one worm one earthworm, two hand lenses, one piece of black paper, and one piece of white paper. The students will be observing how a worm will react in different environments.
The students should first make a prediction about the lab in their journals. Have the students draw a picture of how the worm react to the black and white paper, and the light.
Then the students will continue with the lab as follows:
1. Pass out one white and one black piece of paper to each pair of students.
2. Pass out one worm to each pair of students.
3. The students should observe and journal which pieces of paper the worm is moving to.
4. Have the students use their hand lens to observe what the worm looks like and how it moves, etc...
5. Have the students come together as a class and do a demonstration with a bright lamp.
6. Shine the lamp on the worm and observe how it reacts.
7. As a class discuss what happens.
8. Discuss how worms react in and adapt in these situations.
9. The students draw or write their conclusions in the science journal.
This activity comes from the curriculum, McMillan McGraw Hill: Science: A Closer Look, 2008 Edition, Grade K, Teacher Edition, Page 102.
Teaching Notes and Tips
Worms will move to the black paper, because black paper absorbs heat and is warmer. Worms move to where it is warmer. Worms will adapt to the environment they are in.
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Assessment
The assessment for this lab will be the student's science journals, with observations. The teacher will determine, whether the student understands the goal from their lab notes/drawings.
Standards
1.4.2.1.2 – Describe ways in which an animal's habitat provides for its basic needs.