Title of Book:
Author:
Diary of a Worm
Doreen Cronin
Publisher/Year: Harper Collins/2003
ISBN: 978-0-06-000150-6
Grade Levels for Recommended Use: 7
TEKS:
7.5BMatter and energy. The student knows that interactions occur between matter and energy. The student is expected to demonstrate and explain the cycling of matter within living systems such as in the decay of biomass in a compost bin.
Brief Summary:
This book is written from the perspective of a young worm in the style of a diary that details the worms every day life. The fiction book contains several noteworthy facts, like the worm’s habitat and niche. The worm eats trash and vacations on Compost Island with his family.
Materials needed:
Worksheet: “How Worms Help Earth”
Science Journals
Suggested Activity:
 Engage the student’s interest in worms by reading the book in its entirety.
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Have them journal the following vocabulary in their science notebooks: decomposition, recycle, and compost. Ask the students to recall an example of each of the terms in the book. o Worm and his family vacation on Compost Island. o They did tunnels to “help Earth breathe.” o They eat things like newspaper, homework, and garbage.
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Clarify the kind of garbage as organic only.
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Then explore the role worms have in composting by reading and completing the composting worksheet, “How Worms Help Earth.”
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Have the students write a brief reflection that answers the following questions: o Would Earth be the same without worms? o What role do worms play in the cycling of matter?
References:
The following website has an extension activity that can be completed as separate lessons. http://www.fayettevilleintermediate.org/decomposers_activity.htm
Adapted by: Tiffani Mittag (2011)