Worms are Wonderful

Thursday the Lunchers investigated some very interesting invertebrates--worms!  They were Red Wigglers from the compost pile at The Audubon Naturalist Society's Woodend. We discussed the important part worms play in nature, aerating and fertilizing the soil and did experiments to discover what kind of environment worms like best.

The most exciting part of the program was actually using our senses to collect data about our own specimens.  The Lunchers used magnifiers to find out worms do not have eyes, teeth, or bones.  Worms bodies have photo-receptors, segments, bristles, and a clittelum. They lay eggs and need to breathe air through their skin.  That's why they come up to our blacktop after a lot of rain!

Did you know worms move like a slinky? They use their muscles to stretch and contract and can move forward or backward.

                     Did you know worm castings (or their poop) provide nutrients for plants and trees?

                                              Worms like the dark!  Worms like damp surfaces!

After the science experiments, Ms Kathryn taught us how to make a worm habitat.  We put layers of gravel, soil, water, and dead leaves into an empty soda bottle.  We will use black paper to make their home dark and add a little lettuce from hot lunch for a treat!  All three classes will have a turn to observe the worms before we put them into our garden.

               






Worms feel soft and slippery.  They can tickle!  
Worms ARE wonderful!