Earthworm Dissection Lab
- Grades
- Grades 7–8, High School
- Pages
- 6
- File type
- Microsoft Word
- Answer key
- Included
- Subject
- Science, Biology
- Topic
- Earthworm dissection, Anatomy lab
- Resource types
- Activities
- Answer key
- Included
Product description
From the author
This lab covers the digestive anatomical structures located in a live earthworm.
For any teacher looking for “hands on” enrichment activities that will fully engage the student, this product is for you!
This lab requires the use of earthworms which I usually purchase from a local fishing store.
This lab is very flexible as it will work for any level student from English Learner - EL - to more advanced students.
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In the classroom
Teaching tips & learning objectives
Learning objectives
Locate and identify the structures of the earthworm's digestive system (pharynx, esophagus, crop, gizzard, intestine) through dissection.
Locate and identify the structures of the earthworm's circulatory system, including its five heart arches.
Compare and contrast the digestive system of an earthworm with the human digestive system in a written paragraph.
Teaching tips
Introduce the lab one class period ahead of the actual dissection to set up groups and give directions, since worms can only be used once, as the guidelines recommend.
Have students come to the teacher's desk to obtain their anesthetized worm rather than anesthetizing worms individually, per the included logistics tip.
Allow textbook and internet research for the closing discussion paragraph, as the answer key notes this is intended to be a researched compare/contrast response.
Skills covered
Dissection technique — students anesthetize, pin, and make precise cuts to open a live earthworm for observation.
Anatomical identification — students locate digestive and circulatory structures (gizzard, intestine, heart arches) under a stereoscope.
Comparative biology writing — students write a paragraph comparing the earthworm's digestive system to the human digestive system.
Good to know
Questions teachers ask about this resource
Does the supplied procedure use a preserved specimen?
No. It specifies a live earthworm so observations include processes such as movement in digestive and circulatory structures. Review the procedure and school requirements before selecting this practical.
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Resource details
Concepts & topics
Core concepts
Core concepts
Earthworm anatomy
Digestive system
Circulatory system
Dissection technique
Topics
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