We are wrapping up our studies of vetebrates for now by doing some hands on activities with worms this week. I found the book Wiggling Worms by Wendy Pfeffer that was suggested by Nicole at One Hook Wonder when Nicole and her boys made a very nice wormery. What I liked most about this book is the illustrations which were done by Steve Jenkins. DJ and Ken both agreed that one of the most important ways that worms help us is by fetilizing our soil. They loved the term the book used to describe worms "natures' plowers". To understand that concept in a concrete way they set up a sensory bin, that would allow observation of the worms in a fun way.
This is the symbol I used to introduce the concept of composting.
DJ is digging to get some dirt for our sensory bin.
Found a worm!!
Here are our materials. Dirt and leaves from outside and sand. I also have a caddy with tools used for exploring the bin. It contains a magnifying glass, stick, shovel, rake, and fake fruits.
Mixing in the dirt and sand.
Oh yeah, we have live worms their putting in the bin!
Now they are putting in the fake fruit, and compostable bowls. The bowls are made from sugarcane. Inside the bowl they have put a piece of a tomatoe so the worms would have something to eat right now.
The lid for the sensory bin with our symbol of composting taped on.
Enjoying their new sensory/composting bin.
To see other children doing science related activites please visit Adventures In Mommydom for Science Sunday.
This is a very hands on project! I like the way you set it all up.
ReplyDeleteI never would have thought of doing something like this. Very interesting.
ReplyDeleteI love the compost bin! I've been wanting to do this with my little one! Oh, and I LOVE your last post about the Monte works that are out right now... SO festive! Thanks for commenting today on my blog.
ReplyDeleteWhat squishy-wishy, wiggly-biggly fun!
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting idea. I don't know if I'd ever follow through on it, but that's a cool idea.
ReplyDeleteI love the nature's plowers description.