Teacher’s Questions for Invasive Earthworms Feature

By Science News Explores

 SCIENCE

Before reading:

  1. What is an invasive species? Can you name a few invasive species in America?

  2. Give a few examples of how humans use earthworms?

During reading:

  1. How do earthworms enrich the soil where they live?

  2. From where and when did earthworms arrive in northern North America?

  3. What kind of geological event in northern North America wiped out any possible native earthworms 11,000 years ago? Why would this event have rid the region of earthworms?

  4. Describe the three kinds of earthworms.

  5. Describe three ways in which invasive earthworms have changed native landscapes. How have the worms impacted native plants, fungi and animals?

  6. Name two ways in which humans use earthworms and assist in their spread?

After reading:

  1. Can you name another animal that creates new habitats? (Hint: They build dams.)

  2. Do humans create new habitats? Is this a good or bad thing?

SOCIAL STUDIES

  1. Do you think there should be laws forbidding the use of invasive earthworms in fishing and gardening?

  2. Can you name other plants and animals that are invasive but widely used by people?