Learning
Standards
Ask appropriate scientific questions, and develop answers to questions
through personal
observation and experimentation.
Gather scientific information through observation and experimentation
in the field.
Communicate the results obtained by experimentation through journal
writing and
cooperative group discussions.
Share work with peers and the community through on-line data collection.
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Classroom
Activities
After Exploring for Worms in the urban
orchard or in unpaved school areas, older elementary students examine
these favorite compost critters in their natural habitat and indoors.
A week long Watching Worms Lab Procedure
and a Worm Worksheet allow them to observe
how worms distribute |
layers and nutrients throughout the soil.
To share findings, these mentors invite
their Growing Buddies to observe the
experiment and to write about it to e-pals.
Finally, they return the worms to their homes. |
Community
Activities
When they learn why worm compost provides the richest way to accelerate
decomposition, students become advocates of community composting in
schools and public institutes that generate large quantities of natural
waste. |
Careers
A field trip to a suburban farm verifies the importance of compost
studies when students discuss worms as decomposers with farmers and
horticulturists. |
Materials
Worms Eat My Garbage by Mary Appelhof, 1982: Flower Press;
Squirmy Wormy Composts by B. Kalman and J. Schaub, 1992: Crab
Tree Publishing Co; materials for Exploring
for Worms and Watching Worms Lab Procedure
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Technology
Students scan photographs into Computer
Journals shared with e-pals and also
research worms on the Internet.
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Assessment
Teacher marks Worm Worksheet (Button #2) and continues to monitor
Computer Journals and e-mail correspondence.
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Web Sites
Students learn more about worms at
Making
Worm Compost
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