In this science experiment we will make a worm habitat or ecosystem in a glass jar. We will
explore how important earthworms are to human life. Worms are the most common animals
found in soil. There are sometimes as many as 400 per square yard.
Materials
- Large Wide Mouthed Glass Jar (pickle or mayonnaise jars work well).
- Sand
- Soil
- Old rotting leaves or compost
- 5 or 6 Earth Worms from Garden, Pet Store, or Fishing Store
- Black or Dark Construction Paper. Or Use a Black Cloth.
Process To Make A Worm Ecosystem or Habitat
1) First put a 1/2 inch layer of sand on the bottom of the jar.
2) Next add 1/2 inch layer of soil.
3) Continue to layer sand and soil until almost at top of the jar (soil should be top layer).
4) Place the worms on top of the garden soil. Put the rotten leaves or compost over the
worms.
5) Wrap black or dark construction paper around the glass jar to keep the light out. Secure
with some tape.
6) Check the soil every other day or so to make sure it does not dry out completely. Moisten it
a little as needed. But don't soak it or the worms will drown!
7) Keep the worms happy by making sure the are in a cool dark moist place. Once every 2
weeks add a very small amount of oatmeal for the worms to eat. Don't over oatmeal
What Happens In The Worm Ecosystem or Habitat
The worms will begin to burrow into the soil. After several days, you will see they have made
a series of tunnels. You will be able to see these tunnels be carefully removing the
construction paper from the sides of the jar. Make sure to replace the construction paper after
observing the worms. The worms will continue to tunnel in the darkness. You will be able to
watch the worms behavior without harming them for six to eight weeks. After that period of
time return them back outside into a garden area.
The Science Behind The Worm Ecosystem or Habitat
Worms feed by taking soil through their bodies. This creates tunnels as they go. These
tunnels in turn aerate the soil providing plants with the oxygen they need to grow! The tunnels
also allow the rainwater to drain and give room for plant roots to grow. If it weren't for
earthworms, many varieties of plants would not be able to survive. Farmers consider
earthworms the best friends they have. Now go get your buddies and make an worm
ecosystem or habitat.
explore how important earthworms are to human life. Worms are the most common animals
found in soil. There are sometimes as many as 400 per square yard.
Materials
- Large Wide Mouthed Glass Jar (pickle or mayonnaise jars work well).
- Sand
- Soil
- Old rotting leaves or compost
- 5 or 6 Earth Worms from Garden, Pet Store, or Fishing Store
- Black or Dark Construction Paper. Or Use a Black Cloth.
Process To Make A Worm Ecosystem or Habitat
1) First put a 1/2 inch layer of sand on the bottom of the jar.
2) Next add 1/2 inch layer of soil.
3) Continue to layer sand and soil until almost at top of the jar (soil should be top layer).
4) Place the worms on top of the garden soil. Put the rotten leaves or compost over the
worms.
5) Wrap black or dark construction paper around the glass jar to keep the light out. Secure
with some tape.
6) Check the soil every other day or so to make sure it does not dry out completely. Moisten it
a little as needed. But don't soak it or the worms will drown!
7) Keep the worms happy by making sure the are in a cool dark moist place. Once every 2
weeks add a very small amount of oatmeal for the worms to eat. Don't over oatmeal
What Happens In The Worm Ecosystem or Habitat
The worms will begin to burrow into the soil. After several days, you will see they have made
a series of tunnels. You will be able to see these tunnels be carefully removing the
construction paper from the sides of the jar. Make sure to replace the construction paper after
observing the worms. The worms will continue to tunnel in the darkness. You will be able to
watch the worms behavior without harming them for six to eight weeks. After that period of
time return them back outside into a garden area.
The Science Behind The Worm Ecosystem or Habitat
Worms feed by taking soil through their bodies. This creates tunnels as they go. These
tunnels in turn aerate the soil providing plants with the oxygen they need to grow! The tunnels
also allow the rainwater to drain and give room for plant roots to grow. If it weren't for
earthworms, many varieties of plants would not be able to survive. Farmers consider
earthworms the best friends they have. Now go get your buddies and make an worm
ecosystem or habitat.
Weird Science Kids
fun cool exciting easy science experiments and
Eduacational Toys for kids
fun cool exciting easy science experiments and
Eduacational Toys for kids
