How can an animal without eyes or a nose respond to smells and light? What is the stimulus in this experiment and what is the response? In this activity students investigate using live worms and a variety of stimuli to see how they respond.
 
Questions Answered:
How do worms respond to chemical stimuli? 
How do worms respond to light? 
How do worms respond to darkness?
 
Topics Addressed:
Worms' nervous systems respond to stimuli 
Worms respond to light stimuli 
Worms respond to chemical stimuli 
 
Materials Needed
live worms, moist soil, tray, vinegar, flashlight, cotton swabs, cardboard
 
Preparation Time
purchase or collect worms
 
Teaching Time 
About 20–30 minutes, longer with included writing assignment
 
Answer Key
Yes! Plus extensive teacher notes address the many questions that come up. You shouldn’t have to do outside research on this topic unless you want to. Specific charts and graphic organizers have keys. 
 
Target Audience
Middle School Students, Ages 11-14
 
Student Sheets
Scaffolded writing prompts & lab reporting 
Diagrams for labeling