A Fascinating World Beneath Your Feet
Exploring the world beneath our feet: A Discussion on Earthworms - Initial Insights
Let's dispel the myth that all earthworms are the same. While they do share common traits, their sizes, colors, and roles in the soil ecosystem vary greatly.
Beyond the Common Earthworm
Earthworms are abundant throughout the world, except in the most arid and freezing land areas. Approximately 4,000 species have been identified globally, with New Zealand boasting over 200 endemic species. However, it's the non-native species you'll typically find writhing on wet pavements or burrowing in garden soils.
Dive Deeper into the Science of Earthworms
Our exploration delves beyond composting and garden duties to investigate the scientific inquiries surrounding earthworms and agriculture. We'll examine living organisms, using earthworms as our example, learn about their adaptations for life in the soil, and explore one of New Zealand's unique native earthworms. Our interactive activities, videos, and lessons provide a fresh perspective on the often-overlooked worm.
Why Earthworms?
The emergence of compost systems in schools and the significance of agriculture to New Zealand's economy were all factors that prompted Cath Battersby and Angela Schipper to choose earthworms as a topic for the Science Learning Hub. Take a glance at earthworms as they struggle across damp pavement or scurry when we turn the compost, and what do we truly know about them? Basic anatomy and composting hints are all we can find with a quick library or internet search.
An Expert's Perspective
Nicole Schon, an AgResearch scientist, shares her insights on earthworm anatomy with Hub Content Developer Cath Battersby. Learn about the various physical differences among earthworm species and get up close with New Zealand's native bioluminescent earthworm, O. multiporus. Our observation skills were polished further with the arrival of 10 diverse earthworm species from AgResearch, courtesy of Ross Gray.
Wormy Classroom Collaboration
The Worm Team, a year 4 class in charge of their school's compost system, joined us in our earthworm exploration. Spending a morning learning about earthworm characteristics and watching their unique movements sparked questions and ideas for our teaching and learning activities. Their bright minds have been a valuable addition to our project, and we continue to collaborate with them.
Teaching and Learning in the 21st Century
The Science Learning Hub is all about innovative, media-rich learning experiences. But how can students best learn about earthworms' various physical and ecological features? Introducing Wormface - earthworm social networking! In this activity, students create a profile for an earthworm species. They research its scientific and common names, physical characteristics, and its role in the soil ecosystem. Students present this information in a creative and imaginative way.
Observing Earthworms Indoors
Some activities introduce students to the big science ideas. They include Is it Living or Non-living? (characteristics of living things) and Observing Earthworms (observation). Students can engage their literacy skills with Observation in Science - Three-level Reading Guide and Caring for Earthworms.
Citizen Science Opportunities
The citizen science project The Great Kiwi Earthworm Survey invites participants to contribute data on earthworm abundance and species distribution throughout New Zealand.
Exploring the Science Behind Earthworms
The study of earthworms entails rigorous scientific investigations that can span from a few months to multiple decades. These investigations can be small and tightly controlled or focus on real-world conditions. Observation is a crucial part of any scientist's work, taking various forms. By examining the characteristics of living things, we can understand what makes an earthworm an animal.
Earthworms occupy various niches within the soil and have physical adaptations tailored to each environment. Their role in the ecosystem extends beyond compost production. New Zealand is home to both native and introduced earthworm species, each with unique features and implications for biodiversity.
In addition, this activity discusses the regulations and ethics involved with keeping earthworms in a classroom setting. We take a closer look at Charles Darwin, one of history's most renowned scientists, and his observations of the lowly worm.
In the midst of delving into the science of earthworms, we find that their environmental-science significance extends to home-and-garden settings, and even lifestyle choices such as composting. As we learn about various earthworm species and their adaptations, we can appreciate the diversity within the so-called 'common' earthworm, and perhaps gain a newfound fascination for these often-overlooked organisms that play crucial roles in the soil ecosystem.
In the realm of teaching and learning, the Science Learning Hub offers innovative and interactive activities like Wormface, a social networking platform designed to engage students in learning about earthworms' physical and ecological features. By collaborating with experts, schools, and citizens, we can foster greater understanding and appreciation for these important creatures.
