Curated OER
Introduce Vocabulary: An Earthworm's Life (Himmelman)
Explore some tier-two vocabulary using John Himmelman's informational text An Earthworm's Life. Recommended words for this slimy text are: bulge, burrow, journey, soil, and underground. After introducing these words, help kids utilize...
Curated OER
What is an Earthworm Like?
Second graders study earthworms. In this science lesson, 2nd graders observe an earthworm using a magnifying lens, draw pictures of the earthworm, and record their observations.
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Earthworm Dissection
Students identify the external features of the earthworm. They view a video about different features of an earthworm. They research information about annelids on the Internet. They compare and contrast the earthworm with another annelid.
Curated OER
Introduce Vocabulary: An Earthworm’s Life
Students are read An Earthworm's Life, by John Himmelman. In this vocabulary focused lesson, students discover the definitions of at least three Two Tier words. As a group they discuss the meanings of the words both before and after the...
Curated OER
The Dirt on Worms!
Fourth graders make predictions, observe, collect and record data. They investigate several soil and worm websites. Finally, 4th graders write a letter to The President which defends earthworms by explaining their value to the United...
University of Minnesota
Caeno-WHAT??
Can you feel that? Can you smell that? Since pupils can't ask worms about their sense of smell and touch, they design and complete an experiment to answer these questions. Individuals expose nematodes to different stimuli using their...
Curated OER
Observations (collecting data)
Students observe and collect data about the earthworm. In this observation of an earthworm lesson plan, students use an earthworm to determine the effects of light and incline on the earthworm's behavior. They practice making...
Curated OER
Investigating What Makes Fruit Go Brown
Is there anything that can be done to slow the browning of fruit once it has been cut? High schoolers determine the answer through five different investigations involving apples, potatoes, and chemical reactions. After each experiment,...
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Dirty Worms
Students examine the functions of earthworms and their effect on soil. They conduct an earthworm dissection lab, and complete a checklist.
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Animal Behavior
Students investigate stimulus-response behavior, learned behavior in animals and innate behavior in animals. In this animal behavior lesson plan, students answer questions about their reactions to a toy cap gun that is fired off in...
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Worm Interviews
Students identify types of worms. In this organisms lesson plan, students are shown slides of the different types of worms and take notes on each worm. Students answer questions about each worm.
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Big Fat, Juicy Worms
Middle schoolers collect and study information about worms. They discover how an earthworm helps process and loosen the soil. They write in their journals as well.
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Centipede or Millipede?
Students discuss millipedes and centipedes in terms of their classification as arthropod. Using a diagram, students categorize and compare and contrast the characteristics of millipedes and centipedes based on their discussion of...
Curated OER
Introduce Vocabulary: Grandfather's Journey (Say)
Read Allen Say's classic tale Grandfather's Journey as scholars expand their vocabulary in context (note: this strategy could be done with any text). Wondering what words they will learn here? Although you could easily include more,...
Curated OER
Dirty Decomposers
Learners explore the ecosystem by conducting a ziploc bag experiment. In this recycling lesson, students identify decomposer organisms in our environment and how they speed up the recycling process. Learners utilize a ziploc plastic bag,...
Curated OER
Introduce Vocabulary: Grandfather’s Journey
Young scholars are read Grandfather's Journey, by Allen Say. In this vocabulary focused lesson, students discover the definitions of at least three Two Tier words. They discuss the meaning of the words, as a group, both before and after...
Curated OER
Dirty Decomposers
Seventh graders design and conduct experiments to determine what environmental factors favor decomposition by soil microbes. They use chunks of carrot for the materials to be decomposed, and their experiments are carried out in plastic...
Curated OER
Experiment on Minimal Segment Size Regeneration of Lumbriculus variegatus
The experiment allows students to observe regeneration of tailless and headless worm segments into complete individuals. Data of a completed experiment are included as well as a student activity sheet.