Earthworm

2nd Grade
STEM Project
Daniela Cupples

Introduction:
Students

you have been chosen as a

museum curator. Your job is to design the
perfect earthworm habitat for the class
museum.

STEM

Components

Science

Technology

Mathematics

Engineering

Students
perform a
problem based
learning
investigation
into the
necessary
components of
an earthworm
habitat.

1. Students
use a
digital
camera
2. Students
perform web
based
research
3. Students
create a
graph

1. Estimate
and measure
length of
worms
2. Graphing

1. Design a
habitat based
on your
investigation.

Standards NGSS 2nd Grade

2-LS4-1. Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.

NGSS 2
Science and Engineering Practices
Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
Planning and carrying out investigations to answer questions or test solutions to problems in K2 builds
on prior experiences and progresses to simple investigations, based on fair tests, which provide data
to support explanations or design solutions. Make observations (firsthand or from media) to collect
data which can be used to make comparisons. (2-LS4-1)

Connections to Nature of Science

Scientific Knowledge is Based on Empirical Evidence
Scientists look for patterns and order when making observations about the world. (2-LS4-1)
Science and Engineering Practices
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
Constructing explanations and designing solutions in K2 builds on prior experiences and progresses
to the use of evidence and ideas in constructing evidence-based accounts of natural
phenomena and designing solutions.
Make observations from several sources to construct an evidence-based account for natural
phenomena. (2-ESS1-1)

Common Core ELA/Literacy

W.2.7

Participate in shared research and

writing projects (e.g., read a number of
books on a single topic to produce a
report; record science observations). (2LS4-1)
W.2.8 Recall information from experiences
or gather information from provided
sources to answer a question. (2-LS4-1)

Common Core Math

Measurement and Data 2.MD Measure and estimate lengths in standard units.
1. Measure the length of an object by selecting and using appropriate tools
such as rulers, yardsticks, meter sticks, and measuring tapes.
2. Measure the length of an object twice, using length units of different
lengths for the two measurements; describe how the two measurements
relate to the size of the unit chosen.
3. Estimate lengths using units of inches, feet, centimeters, and meters.
4. Measure to determine how much longer one object is than another,
expressing the length difference in terms of a standard length unit.
Represent and interpret data.
9. Generate measurement data by measuring lengths of several objects to
the nearest whole unit, or by making repeated measurements of the same
object. Show the measurements by making a line plot, where the horizontal
scale is marked off in whole-number units.
10. Draw a picture graph and a bar graph (with single-unit scale) to represent
a data set with up to four categories. Solve simple put-together, take-apart,
and compare problems4 using information presented in a bar graph.

NETS (Next Generation

Technology)

3. Research and information fluency

Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate,
and use information.
b. Locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize,
and ethically use information from a variety of
sources and media
d. Process data and report results

6. Technology operations and concepts

Students demonstrate a sound understanding of
technology concepts, systems, and operations.
a. Understand and use technology systems

Session 1
1. Create class KWL chart about habitats.
Review requirements of a habitat.
Determine groups based on informal assessment.
2. Class discussion about curators:
Have you ever been to a museum?
3. You need to design a museum exhibit to do that
you need to know:
What does an earthworm need in its habitat?

Meet Your Earthworm/Group Activity

1. Use your senses to describe the earthworm and record
your findings in your earthworm journal:
What do you see?
How does the worm feel?
How does the worm smell?
2. Estimate/measure the length of the earworm.
Estimate inches

Measurement inches

Estimate cm

Measurement cm

3. What does the earthworm do when you touch it?

With a wet finger?
With pipe cleaner?
4. EXIT TICKET: How will you use your findings to design your
habitat?

Session 2: Investigation #1
Does the earthworm prefer moist or dry areas?
1. Make a prediction and explain your prediction.
2. Investigate
1) Place a flat, moist paper towel on one half of the
container.
2) Place the dry paper towel on the other side of the
container.
3) Place 2 worms in the center of the container.
4) Observe the earthworms for 5 minutes.
5) Record your observations.
6) Choose 2 new worms and repeat the experiment.
3. Record your findings in your journal.
4. What conclusions can you make based on your investigation?

Session 2: Investigation #2
Does the earthworm prefer light or dark?
1) Moisten 2 paper towels place them in the container
2) Put 2 worms in the center chamber
3) Divide the container with the black construction
paper
4) Place flashlight over the hole on the left and turn on
5) Observe the worms for 5 minutes
6) Record your observations.
7) Choose 2 new worms and repeat the experiment.
8) What conclusion can you make?

Session 2: Investigation #3
Does

the earthworm prefer cold or warm?

1) Moisten 3 paper towels and place them in the
container
2) Place warm source under one side of the container
3) Place ice cube under the other side of the container
4) Place a thermometer on the cold side and one on
the warm
5) Place 2 worms in the center of the container
6) Observe the worms for 5 minutes
7) Choose 2 new worms and repeat the experiment.
8) Record your observations.

Session 2: Investigation #4
Materials:

Sandy soil
Clay Soil
Top soil
1 Plastic
container
1 Spray bottle
filled with water
1 Timer

What

type of soil does your earthworm

prefer?

1. Moisten 3 paper towels and place them in

the container.
2. Place of a cup of each type of soil in a
separate pile in the container.
3. Place 2 worms in the center of the
container
4. Observe the worm for 5 minutes.
5. Record your observations
6. Choose 2 new worms and repeat the
experiment.
7. Record your observations and conclusions
in your journal.

Session 3: Internet Research

Use two of the following resources to find information about

earthworms.

1:The Adventures of Herman The Worm

http://urbanext.illinois.edu/worms/

2:Worm Farm 2:Worm Farm

http://kcts9.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/3daedfdcedec-4c2e-b301-850cb5a8653e/3daedfdc-edec-4c2eb301-850cb5a8653e/

3: Kids National Geographic Kids

http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/animals/creaturef
eature/earthworms/

4:BioKIDS Earthworm Site

http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Oligochaeta/

Session 3 Habitat Design

1. Design an
earthworm habitat,
based on the findings
from your
observations and the
research data.
Photograph your
habitat and the
design process using a
digital camera.
Reflect on your
investigation and
exhibit your habitat in
class.