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.