Beginner Earthworm Dissection
In this one-time course, students will learn to dissect a common earthworm specimen following along step-by-step with the teacher.
Mysti Chisholm, RPSGT, MBA-HM
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(850)
Popular
What's included
1 live meeting
40 mins in-class hoursAssessment
Learner progress is assessed through the dissection technique during class. No tests are given.Class Experience
Earthworms are an important part of the ecosystem, helping loosen soil so that minerals, oxygen, and water can penetrate it easier. They also have a very easy anatomy to observe while learning dissection techniques. Because of this, earthworms are a perfect specimen to begin your dissection journey with. At the beginning of class, we will review the dissection kit tools and their uses. We will also observe the external anatomy of the preserved earthworm before beginning the dissection. As the dissection begins, students can expect to observe an earthworm's heart, gizzard, intestine, reproductive organs, ganglia (brain), and blood vessels. Students need to have either taken Beginning Dissection or have previously used a dissection kit in order to take this class. If they have not, please take my Beginning Dissection class prior to this one. Dissection tools are sharp! Your student must be able to maturely handle these tools during class. Recommended Order of Dissection Classes: Beginning Dissection Beginner Earthworm Dissection Beginner Starfish Dissection Beginner Clam Dissection Intermediate Crayfish Dissection Intermediate Perch Dissection Intermediate Frog Dissection Advanced Pig Dissection Students also need to have their own dissection kit, preserved earthworm specimen, and a clean place to perform the dissection. Some students also prefer to wear gloves while dissecting as well. Please note, fewer numbers of students may result in a shortened class time. There will be no refunds issued for a student(s) missing class.
Learning Goals
Students will be able to name standard dissection tools.
Students will be able perfect dissection techniques.
Students will be able to observe the internal and external anatomy of a preserved earthworm specimen.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Dissection tools are sharp and as such, your student must be mature enough to handle them on their own by your estimation. Reproductive organs are also a part of a preserved earthworm and will be part of the organ system that students dissect. Though no in-depth discussion of earthworm reproduction will occur, these organs are named and their uses are defined during dissection. Earthworms contain both male and female organs i.e... seminal vesicles are the organ where sperm is stored and seminal receptacles are where they receive sperm.
Supply List
Students will need a dissection kit and a preserved earthworm specimen. I have included the link to Home Science Tools which has a cheap standard kit for $5.60 (at the time of this writing). Amazon also has a couple for approximately $10. I personally recommend Home Science Tools. Not only is that where I purchase all of my dissection specimens but I have found them to be the most cost effective for these items. I have also included the link to Home Science Tools earthworm specimen which is $1.30 at the time of this writing. Students may prefer to have disposable gloves on when dissecting. They also need a clean area to dissect (on a plate, cutting board, paper towels.)
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined March, 2020
5.0
850reviews
Popular
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Master's Degree from Western Governors University
Bachelor's Degree in Science from Missouri Southern State University
I was a middle school science teach for 10 years and in that time, have lead hundreds of students through many dissections including the hot dog, earthworms, clams, crayfish, and sharks. In my college Zoology class, I was the only student to successfully extract the entire spinal nerve of a crayfish that the professor had ever had! I find dissections fascinating and a good stepping stone for any student interested in anatomy, physiology, zoology, or college sciences. Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$15
per classMeets once
40 min
Completed by 97 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-16
1-6 learners per class
