1. Sample Activities by Grade Connect to Math, Art and Reading Using the WormWatcher Based on VA SOLs, Diane Postman, science teacher, 2010

2. Using worms: K.1 – Scientific Investigation: make & record observations; order by size; draw pictorial data; describe & sort by physical properties K.2 – Five Senses: use 5 senses to describe/classify worms (real and gummi); compare/contrast worm senses to human senses K.4 – Matter: describe & classify color, shape, texture, size, & speed of motion; measure with standard & non-standard units K.6 – Life Processes: compare/contrast life cycle of worm to other life cycles; identify worm survival needs K.8 – Patterns & Cycles: observe patterns of growth; examine ring patterns on body; chart growth; chart feeding/care routines K.9 – Change: record/measure changes over time in both worms and food scraps; chart/graph data; compare to growth rates of humans K.10 – Resources: “recycle” food scraps to produce compost; identify soil uses & conservation practices

3. Based on VA SOLs, Diane Postman, science teacher, 2010 Sample Kindergarten Activities Language Arts: Compost Stew by Siddals; Grandpas are for Finding Worms by Ziefert; Wonderful Worms by Glaser; Willie’s Wonderful Pet by Cebulash Math & Art: Use measuring skills to make edible “dirt” with gummi worms; measure with Inch Worms from Learning Resources; make worm paintings using fishing lures or spaghetti Music & Movement: “Walter the Waltzing Worm” by Hap Palmer; “Herman the Worm” (Math in Motion CD) by Mr. Al

4. Based on VA SOLs, Diane Postman, science teacher, 2010 3.1 – Scientific Investigation: use the scientific method; measure, record, and graph length & mass; chart worm growth & food decomposition 3.3 – Matter: describe physical properties of worms & discuss the effect on survival; use a magnifying glass & microscope 3.4 – Life Processes: analyze & compare/contrast adaptations; create model of worm habitat; study hibernation, means of defense, and instinct vs learned behaviors 3.5 – Living Systems: study role of decomposers; classify predators/prey & herbivores/omnivores/carnivores; chart worm’s position near the beginning & at the end of various food chains 3.6 – Living Systems: describe & illustrate worm populations or communities; discuss worm’s place in both 3.7 – Earth/Space Systems: analyze soil samples & soil in worm biome; hypothesize & test effect of worm tea, castings, and compost on plant growth 3.8 – Earth Patterns/Cycles/Change: study, describe, & illustrate life cycle of worms and compare to other life cycles 3.10 – Resources: make inferences about the interdependency between worms and their community

5. Based on VA SOLs, Diane Postman, science teacher, 2010 Sample Third Grade Activities Books: Wiggling Worms at Work by Pfeffer, Earthworms by Claire Llewellyn, Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin, Wormology by Michael Elsohn Ross Language Arts: observe worms & write a diary – include notations on changes during unusual weather; compare & contrast Red Wigglers to Night Crawlers and/or local Earthworms – Venn Diagram Math: weigh food scraps when put into worm habitat, re- weigh in a week; keep data on decomposition

6. Based on VA SOLs, Diane Postman, science teacher, 2010 5.1 – Scientific Investigation: estimate length & mass; chart, graph, diagram worm data; make predictions based on patterns in data; use measurement tools to include a stopwatch; conduct experiments in which dependent and independent variables are changed 5.2 – Force and Motion - Sound: examine the effect of sound on worm behavior; explore how vibrations travel through various media 5.3 – Force and Motion - Light: examine the effect of light on worm behavior 5.5 – Living Systems: classify animals as vertebrates and invertebrates; identify characteristics of invertebrates & the part they play in the survival of a worm; compare plant & animal cells to include worm cells 5.6 – Earth & Space Systems: compare and contrast the ocean environment/habitats to terrestrial environments of worms

7. Based on VA SOLs, Diane Postman, science teacher, 2010 Sample Fifth Grade Activities Books: Life in a Bucket of Soil by Silverstein, How to Eat Fried Worms by Rockwell, Compost Critters by Lavies, The Life Cycle of an Earthworm by Kalman Language Arts: write a journal entry for each worm meal from the point of view of a character in How to Eat Fried Worms Activities: predict worm behavior based on patterns in data; use a stopwatch to measure speed of worm travel; experiment with the effect of vibrations/light on behavior, changing media/variables; make & examine slides of worm cells; compare/contrast oceanic worms to terrestrial worms; measure temperature in different spots in the bin & interpret results