Earthworms: Can These Gardeners' Friends Actually Become Foes?

This resource is designed to support reading in the content area. The article describes new research on the ways Asian jumping worms are affecting American forests. Findings show they are much more of a problem than initially feared. Because Asian jumping worms have bigger appetites than other earthworms found in the U.S., they are much more successful at eating the debris on the forest floor. This exposes vulnerable areas that may bring more diseases and invasive plants. It can also prevent delicate seedlings from taking root.
Resource ID#: 164438 Type: Text Resource
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Direct Link: https://www.sciencenewsforstudents.org/article/earthworms-can-these-gardeners-friends-actually-become-foes

General Information

Subject(s): English Language Arts, Science
Grade Level(s): 7
Intended Audience: Educators educators
Resource supports reading in content area:Yes
Keywords: earthworm, decomposer, ecosystem, invasive species, Asian jumping worm, text complexity, informational text, gardeners
Instructional Component Type(s): Text Resource
Resource Collection: STEM Reading Resources

Aligned Standards

This vetted resource aligns to concepts or skills in these benchmarks.

1 Lesson Plan

Holy Jumping Earthworms, Batman!

In this lesson, students will analyze an informational text that shows how a seemingly harmless invasive species of jumping worm may cause much more destruction than once thought. The Asian jumping worm eats the debris on the forest floor at a rate that out-competes the native worms so much so that it is causing a number of problems, including forest re-growth. This lesson plan is designed to support reading in the content area. It includes a note-taking guide, text-dependent questions, a writing prompt, answer keys, and a writing rubric.

Related Resources

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Lesson Plan

Holy Jumping Earthworms, Batman!:

In this lesson, students will analyze an informational text that shows how a seemingly harmless invasive species of jumping worm may cause much more destruction than once thought. The Asian jumping worm eats the debris on the forest floor at a rate that out-competes the native worms so much so that it is causing a number of problems, including forest re-growth. This lesson plan is designed to support reading in the content area. It includes a note-taking guide, text-dependent questions, a writing prompt, answer keys, and a writing rubric.

Type: Lesson Plan