Tip: Zoom in to spot the differences more easily.
Learning resources about earthworms for educators
World Earthworm Day is held on the 21st of October each year.
Did you know? There are thousands of kinds of earthworms. You may know that earthworms can help the soil in your veggie patch, by improving air flow and water drainage, moving nutrients around, and via their poop, which acts as a fertilizer. Worms are also a core part of the diet of many animals. Animals that eat worms are called vermivores.
Humans have spread worms around the world, even where there were no worms before. Non-native worms can be problematic. For example, European and Asian worms have invaded the hardwood forests of Minnesota, where they may be damaging the forest floor.
Learn more
- Earthworm Society of Britain: Earthworm biology and more resources
- University of Illinois Extension: Worm facts
- Kidsgardening.org: Make a worm composting bin
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: Learn about the impacts of non-native earthworms on the hardwood forests of Minnesota
- The Conversation: Silent partners: Are earthworms creating pathways for invasive plants?
Get outside!
If you’re looking for some guaranteed screen-free fun for your kids or students, get outside and check out your local earthworms!
*Mongabay Kids is not responsible for content published on external sites.
