Earthworm Environment

[30 Minutes]

This activity will help your child see what an earthworm does under the ground.

You'll need:

• clear gallon-sized jar with lid • soil • black paper • earthworms • knife or scissors • tape

What to do:

1. Invite your child to help you fill a clear, gallon jar with soil.
2. Wrap black paper around the jar and let your child tape it in place.
3. With a knife or scissors, punch some air holes in the jar's lid.
4. Go for a walk together after a rain, if possible, and find some earthworms. Put them in his jar. Set aside for a day or two.
5. Show your child how to keep the surface of the soil moist by sprinkling a little water on top.
6. Encourage him to add some fruit or vegetable scraps and watch what happens.
7. Work together to draw a picture of the earthworms' environment.
8. From time to time, remove the black paper and encourage your child to observe the earthworms at work and the tunnels that they have built.

Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

• What is happening inside the jar?
• What do you imagine the worms think about all day long?
• Can you move like an earthworm would move in a tunnel under the ground?

Useful information:

While you are having fun together, this activity helps your child develop observational skills and science concepts.