Skip to Content

Simple Science: Observing Worms

Sharing is caring!

Worms. There's just something about them that makes little boys giggle. Observing worms is a simple science activity because you don't need any fancy tools! Since worms are underground, it's hard to see them making tunnels in their natural habitat, unless you set up an observation. Jonah and I had fun setting up a worm habitat to get a closer look at their tunnels.

Simple Science Observing Worms

How to Make a Worm Habitat

Materials:

  • Worms
  • Dirt
  • Sand
  • Jar with a lid
  • Hammer
  • Nail
  • Black Construction Paper
  • Tape


Directions:

Layer the dirt and sand in an alternating pattern. (Oh, look there is some sneaky math!)

setting up a worm habitat observation

This is what your jar should look like when you are done.

worm habitat observation

Now it is time to handle some wiggly worms! You can either dig in your yard or go to the bait shop to get worms. We just went to the bait shop and grabbed a cup of worms. After we are finished with them, we are going to go fishing at a friend's house. Jonah thought it was hilarious that you keep the worms in the refrigerator until you use them.

Place a few worms in the jar.

worm habitat

Poke a few holes in the lid of your jar. We used a hammer and nail to get the job done.

observing worms in a jar habitat

To trick the worms into thinking they are underground, place a piece of black construction paper around the jar and tape it. Remember not to tape it too tight so you can remove it to observe your worms. Give the worms some time to dig. Then, you can remove the paper and see the tunnels!

You can keep the worms in the jar for a few days. Spray the soil with water to keep the soil damp. Not too much to drown them, but just enough to keep them from drying out. Since worms break down things, you can place small bits of carrots, leaves, banana peels, etc. in the jar.

worms

Jonah had a lot of fun watching the worms, and gave them a special place in the middle of the table. Jonah said the worm habitat jar reminded him of the ant farm we did several months ago. This was a perfect time to compare and contrast!

Of course, he is still a typical six year old boy fascinated with the truth about dirt and worm poop. Here's the journal writing to prove it....

worm observation journal page by a first grader

Other Ways to Observe Worms

  • Use a magnifying glass
  • Have a worm race
  • Describe how they feel
  • Make a compost bin
  • Measure worms

More Worm Resources

Have a wiggly day! Be honest...do worms gross you out?

Sharing is caring!

Simple Science Experiment for Kids: Testing for Air

Wednesday 29th of April 2015

[…] Simple Science: Observing Worms Simple Science: How to Make a Volcano Simple Science: How to Make a Sundial […]

Preschool Science Experiments

Sunday 15th of December 2013

[...] Observing Worms [...]

Phyllis at All Things Beautiful

Saturday 31st of August 2013

We love doing this too. I love how you explained how to do it...great post.

Marci@TheHomeschoolScientist

Thursday 29th of August 2013

Looks like you guys had lots of fun. Love that you made the worm habitat and the journal entry is great!

Sara

Thursday 29th of August 2013

Thanks Marci! I was hoping you'd see this! Jonah has loved the worm unit!