The Structure of Redworms
Part 1
Daily Objective
Worms have identifiable structures.
Worms have basic needs. All animals deserve respect and
gentle care.
Vocabulary
Body - all of an animal Bottom - under or lower part Clitellum - large, swollen area on a worm’s body Redworm - type of earthworm that is small and reddish Head - part of animal where the eyes, ears, nose and mouth
are located Moist - wet; damp Mouth - opening through which animals take in food and
through which sounds are made Rough - bumpy; not smooth Segment - a section Swollen - to bulge out Top - highest part of something
Introduction
Can you guess what kind of animal is living in the soil?
These animals are very valuable because they help keep soil healthy. They have soft bodies that feel moist.
Earthworms
Today we are going to dig for earthworms so we can observe them.
Observation and Discussion
Once you find a worm, rinse it off with the water in the cup. Then place the worm on the table and begin your observations.
Which end is the head and which is the tail? How so you know?
Look at the color of the worm’s body. Is it the same in all places?
Can you tell the top side of the earthworm from the bottom side?
Look at the rings that make up the worm’s body. Are all the segments the same size? How many do you think there are? Do they all look the same?
Vocabulary Review
Body - all of an animal Bottom - under or lower part Clitellum - large, swollen area on a worm’s body Redworm - type of earthworm that is small and reddish Head - part of animal where the eyes, ears, nose and mouth
are located Moist - wet; damp Mouth - opening through which animals take in food and
through which sounds are made Rough - bumpy; not smooth Segment - a section Swollen - to bulge out Top - highest part of something
What We Learned
Segments
Mouth
Worms have segments to help them move.