Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Playing in the dirt!

With out curriculum out of the way and summer fastly approaching it's time to have some fun!
So what do you find when you play in the dirt? WORMS!
 Our worm project all started when the garden in our outdoor classroom was planted. With kid sized shovels, hoes, rakes and a new digging area it wasn't long before we discovered worms.


The children had tons of questions so we talked about what we know and want to know about worms. So far we know this about worms...
  • worms can be BIG and small
  • they look like goo
  • are black, pink, gray, brown and red
  • feel soft
  • are slimy
  • wiggle
  • are in the dirt
Then we talked about what we want to know about worms or questions we had and this is what they came up with
  • Can they swim?
  • How do they wiggle?
  • What do they eat?
  • Do worms have body parts?
  • Why are they good for the garden?
  • How do worms eat?
The worm search has officially begun. Today we found over 14 worms which are now our classroom pets. We learned worms like dirt, moisture (which is "like water"), food and dark, cool places to live. They are good for the garden  because their slimy body has nitrogen in it ("a good stuff the dirt").

Digging for worms

This child is letting the worm "tickle" his hand.


Observing our new pet worms with magnifying glasses.

Much to my amazement, all of the children were more than willing to touch and have worms in their hands.



Our class favorites are the "baby worms"

 

Keep posted for more worms!