Developed by Delaney J.
Edited by Maggie M.
Essential Question:
How do we interact with the world around us?
Background Knowledge:
Children should know:
- Plants are living things that undergo changes
- Matter can change when acted upon by another object
- There are differences in the environment between animals that live on the earth
Materials:
- Empty Two Liter Bottle
- Sand
- Potting soil, Dirt
- Worms (Dug up or bought)
- Scissors
- Water(1/4 Cup)
- Shovel or Spoon (Optional)
- Plant or Flowers (Optional)
- Journal
Safety Protocol:
- Parent/guardian supervision is needed for scissors. If the child is not able, use scissors to cut the top of the bottle in order to open it up for soil and sand to be put in.
- Soil and sand may get messy. Please make sure no other important items are around the area.
- Live creatures will be used in this experiment. Take precautions as necessary.
Activity Procedures:
Step 1: Gather all materials and set up on a space that is free of other important items.
Why is it important to have an environment with soil for the worms to use?
Step 2: Use scissors to cut off the top of the two-liter bottle and throw away the top. (Make sure to cut the entire top of the bottle off so that soil and sand can be placed in the bottle easily.)
How does our environment affect the way that we live?
Step 3: First pour about one inch of dirt into the bottle. Then pour one inch of sand. Repeat this process until the top of the liter bottle is full. Make sure the layers are about one inch and alternate between dirt and sand!
Why do you think we need to add the sand into the bottle?
Step 4: Dig up worms in the grass or soil around your home to find your slimy friends! They are underneath the grass or soil. You can use your hands (this might get messy) or ask your parents/guardians if they have a spoon or shovel! (If you do not have worms to use, you can pretend with worm candies or construction paper.)
Step 5: Add the water to the bottle that the worms can move around a little bit easier. Now, add the worms to the top of the bottle. Observe what the worms initially do. Record your answers. Check back on the worms every 15 minutes for an hour. Record your findings.
What is happening to the environment when the worm is put into the bottle?
Why do you think the worm dug in his new home?
What changes were made after the worm entered the bottle?
What can conclude about worms after this experiment?
How is a worm’s environment different from a human’s environment? What about a dog’s environment?
Step 6: With parent/guardian permission, share the results of your activity on social media using #AUHomeWorks!