The activities that follow provide students with experiences about earthworm structure, where and how earthworms live, and earthworm behavior.
Students begin by collecting worms to study in the classroom.
They observe some of the special structures of earthworms, specifically the bristles or setae, the ring-like segments, and the clitellum. Students explore how these structures help earthworms function and survive. Students also gain experience in asking questions and designing investigations as they compare the worms' behavior under varying conditions. Then students vary the worms' environment to see how they respond to differences in light, temperature, and moisture. Finally, students examine how the behavior of earthworms affects their environment.