Introduction

     When was the last time you ate a delicious fried worm? What!?! You've never eaten one?You don't know what you're missing! If you are still not sure, maybe you would like to find out more about worms before you take the plunge.

     Your quest will be to research information on an earthworm topic, and present this information to the class. We will then take each group's information and make a class book. We will also use the information we gather to create graphs, write recipes, and make our own worm desserts.  At the end of our quest, your mouth will be watering for the juicy worms that we will eat in class!

     After you find the information you are looking for, you and your partner will write a paragraph describing what you've learned. You will use the Editor's Checklist to edit and check your paragraph, as well as conferencing with your teacher.  After all changes are made, you will type your paragraph using Microsoft Word, and print it out.  Be sure to use spelling and grammar check before printing your final product.  You will share your paragraph with the class.  All paragraphs will be collected and made into a class book which will be displayed in the reading center.

Additional Assignments:

1. Create a graph (either bar or pictograph) on the following question: If you could choose only one topping to eat on your worm, which topping would you choose?

2. Using the recipe card provided, create your own tasty worm recipe. Include ingredients and directions on how to prepare your dish.

3. Following the directions given by your teacher, create and eat your own "Dirty Worm Dish".

     By reading How to Eat Fried Worms , searching the internet, and completing the assigned activities, you will gain knowledge on earthworms and have a better understanding of what Billy endured in the story.
 
 

Topics for Worm Research - (Teacher will assign these with partners)

     My Beginning and End
     Segments and Setae
     My Mouth
    How I Digest
    How I Reproduce
    My Body
    My Clitellum
    My Five Hearts
    How I Move
    How I Breathe
    Light Sensitivity 
    Worm Facts

1.  Locate your topic above and begin researching the website: www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/worms/anatomy/index.html. 
2.  After reading and gathering your information,   write a paragraph about what you have learned. Using the Editor's Checklist below, edit your writing and sign up for a conference with your teacher.  Print out this checklist to use.
3.  Once your paragraph is finished , type it out using Microsoft Word.  Be sure to use spelling and grammar check before printing.  Print out your paragraph.
4.  Be prepared to read your paragraph to the class and explain your discovery.  All paragraphs will be collected and made into a class book to share in the Reading Center. 
 
 

Worm Graph

You will make a bar or pictograph on the computer based on the following question:

Worm Recipes

Print out the recipe card below, and create your own tasty worm recipe.  Be creative!  Be sure to include the ingredients that you will use, and the directions on how to prepare your delightful dish.  Be specific in your directions. Include a title for your tantalizing treat. 
 
 

Print out and follow the directions given to create and sample your very own "Dirty Worm Dish".  Take your recipe home for others in your family to savor. ENJOY!!!

Chocolate pudding
Gummy worms
Crushed Oreo cookies
Clear plastic cup
Spoon

Take one clear plastic cup and fill three fourths full of chocolate pudding.  Place one gummy worm inside the cup.  Leave part of the worm hanging over the side of the cup.  Fill the remainder of the cup with crushed Oreo cookies.  Take your spoon and enjoy your treat!
 
 

         Students will be evaluated based upon the information in the following rubric.  The student will be assigned a number of points for each of the 5 activities.  The points for each activity will be added up to determine the final grade. Active participation can add a + or - factor to the final grade. 
 

	Unsatisfactory   5 pts.	Needs Improvement 10 pts.	Satisfactory   15 pts.	Exemplary   20 pts.	Score
After reading the book, students will gather information on given topic, using the Internet. A paragraph will be written based on the info. gathered.	*Not enough information from resources *Did not write paragraph on topic *Paragraph lacks structure or understanding	*Shows more information, but still not enough for informative paragraph *In paragraph, topic sentence evident, but lacks supporting details	*Research is evident *Paragraph is satisfactory, but information is too general for amount of research required	*Research clearly evident throughout paragraph *Paragraph meets/exceeds Editor's Checklist requirements *Paragraph ready to publish
Using Microsoft Word, students will publish paragraph to add to class book	No evidence of use of spellcheck/grammar check (Several mistakes in spelling and punctuation.)  No paragraph structure	Limited use of spellcheck/grammar check (Few mistakes in spelling and  grammar.) Weak paragraph structure	Proficient in use of spellcheck/grammar check. Acceptable paragraph structure	Proficient in use of spellcheck/grammar check. Strong paragraph structure,strong supporting details, all elements on editor's checklist are evident.
Using data collected in class, students will create a graph using a software program	No computer generated graph	Graph is present, but lacks labels, titles and color	Graph contains necessary information, including title, labels, and colors.	Graph contains necessary information including title, labels, colors, and additional graphics
Students will print and complete their own worm recipe, including specific ingredients and directions	Recipe is present, but lacks the use of word processing,and lacks directions/ingredients	Recipe is present, has been word processed, but lacks directions/ingredients	Recipe is present, has been word processed, and includes general directions/ingredients	Recipe is present, has been word processed, and includes specific directions/ingredients.  Student has also included graphics
Following recipe provided, students will prepare their own worm dessert	Student does not follow directions/or prepare thier dessert	Student does not follow directions in sequence.	Student prepares dessert following recipe directions.	Student prepares dessert following recipe directions, and cleans up work space!

     Whew! We have just finished our quest into the wonderful world of worms.  Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of these wiggly creatures, and can really relate to how Billy must have felt having to eat the slimy slitherers! Knowing what you do now, do you think it was easy for Billy?  Would you eat 15 worms, even for $50.00?
     If you have enjoyed this quest, perhaps you would like to do some additional activities at home or in your spare time at school.  Remember, your quest doesn't have to stop just because the class moves on. Be an independent learner!!!

Suggested Extension Activities:

 *Using information from our class book, collect your own earthworms at night and create a habitat for them. Observe their habits and keep a journal on your new pets. 

 *Using Kid Pix, Paint, or other program, draw your own worm or scene from the book How to Eat Fried Worms.  Print the picture and share with the class.

 *Poll your friends and family, gather data, and create your own graph of the "Yuckiest Foods in the World".  Share your results with the class. 

 *Based on the adventures of "Herman the Earthworm" on the web, write a fictional story about the life of Herman's cousin, Helen.  Be sure to include all story elements: character, plot, setting, conflict, and resolution. 

 *Go back to www.yahooligans.com and do a search for "Herman the Earthworm". Navigate the site until you can find out how to email Herman.  Write him a message describing our class adventures with worms. 
 
 
 

    URL
           www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/worms/anatomy/index.html 

           www.mce.k12tn.net/reading/fried_worms_unit.htm 

                  www.nyworms.com/
 
            http://atschool.eduweb.co.uk/sirrobhitch.suffolk/invert/inverteb.htm

            www.amazon.com 

    Software
                 Microsoft Word
              Powerpoint 2000
              Microsoft Works
              Kid Graphs
              Inspiration
              Kid Pix
              Paint - available free on any Windows machine

    Books

              Rockwell, Thomas. How to Eat Fried Worms. 
 

** A special thanks to Melanie Honeycutt, Burke County Technology Specialist, for all of her patience and help with this project.