Invertebrates - What are Worms?

Worms are invertebrates (animals without a backbone). There are many different kinds of worms and they live in many different habitats.

Scientists classify worms into 3 basic groups.

• flatworms
• roundworms
• segmented worms

Flatworms are well.....flat! Examples are tapeworms, planarians, and flukes.

Roundworms can live in almost any moist environment. An example is the hookworm. 

Segmented Worms have bodies made up of many linked sections called segments. An example is the earthworm. You can probably find earthworms if you dig in garden soil. Earthworms are good for the soil. They loosen the soil allowing air, water, and plant roots to move through the soil. Plus their droppings make the soil fertile. Earthworms are great friends of gardeners!

Here are some great resources for kids to learn about worms.

Websites:

University of Illinois

The Adventures of Herman the Worm

Discover Kids

Worm World

Discover Kids

Worms as Recyclers

Discovery Kids

All About Earthworms

Discovery Kids

Visit Wendell's Cousins (Earthworms)

Books:

    

Activities

• Use a hand lens to look for and observe worms in their natural environment: the garden.
• Talk a walk after it rains. Sometimes worms can be seen on the sidewalk.
• Younger kids can try crawling like a worm.
• Start a compost pile.
• Take pictures of worms in the garden.
• Sketch pictures of worms.

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