Inside the Worm

Inside the Worm

A Look Inside
Lesson: 3.3
Level:
Intermediate
Station: Vermiculture
Format: Experiment
Rating:
Intermediate Lesson 3.3 Inside the Worm

Lesson Overview

There is no better way to explore the anatomy of a worm than to see it up close. This lesson uses a dissection to examine the various internal systems of a worm's anatomy.

Goals

  • Students will be able to describe the anatomy of the red wiggler worm.

Outcomes

Students will dissect a red wiggler worm in order to identify the reproductive and digestive organs.

Teach the Teacher

Tools & Materials

  • Microscope
  • Red wiggler worms
  • Scalpel
  • Anatomy of the Red Wiggler worm

Activity

The anatomy of a red wiggler worm is not what you might expect. One thing that is certain, worms are designed to be efficient and effective decomposers and their anatomy reflects that.

The digestive system has similarities to our own but there are certainly some differences that are perfectly suited to the composting process. The gizzard squeezes and crushes organic material and soil as it passes through.

The reproductive system of the worm is unique and much more rudimentary than that of human beings. Though red wigglers are hermaphrodites, they still need a mate to reproduce.

Plus, worms have 5 hearts!Dissect a red wiggler for examination under the microscope.

Can you identify the organs of the reproduction system? The digestive system? What about the 5 hearts?

Related Lessons

Give the Advanced lesson a try now that you’ve completed the Intermediate Lesson! Or revisit the Beginner Lesson as needed.

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