Worm Habitat in a Jar (Free Lab Sheets)

Worm Habitat in a Jar

Around our house, we often try something for the first time as a trial and error. We learn from our mistakes and then try again. This was true of the Worm Habitat in a Jar. The first time, we tried it on a whim and had some interesting results… haha. However, we eventually got it right and loved the results! Read on to find out how you too can create a Worm Habitat in a Jar! Don’t forget to download the free lab sheets below!

*To see all of our Worm resources, check out our All About Earthworms for Kids! Be sure to check out our other Science Resources including science units & labs & experiments.

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Our Original Worm Habitat in a Jar

The original Worm Habitat in a Jar started with my kids obsession with digging up earthworms in the garden. They kept digging away, lifting rocks, and on the prowl for small ones and big, fat, juicy ones. Worms were being put in jars, bottles, buckets, and yes, their pockets! Gross! To take advantage of this fascination, I offered to help them make a worm habitat. I gave them a large glass jar with a lid that opens so that they could officially make an indoor habitat for the worms. The kids were immediately on-board!

After digging in the dirt and collecting loads of worms, we took them inside for their new home on the kitchen counter. We had fun watching them try to climb out and it was amazing to see how quickly they came to the surface when we added a little water. After a few days we actually woke up and found that a few of them had escaped!!! Dad cleaned them up before I saw them… yuck but funny!

Things we learned about the Worm Habitat in a Jar...

We learned a few things from our worm habitat. It isn’t uncommon for us to just dive into a project without researching it first. We often find out that we didn’t do it right and have to learn from our mistakes! Even though this may sound like a ridiculous way to run a science lesson, I have found that the kids and I learn more when we try it our way and then learn along the way. Trial and error… scientists and inventors and have been doing it for years! So, here are the things we learned and recommend for those you looking to make a Worm Habitat in a Jar!

You can use the print-out to help you walk through the steps of creating a worm habitat. Below you will find a general overview of the important points.

1.) Put a layer of pebbles at the bottom of your jar

It became evident to us after our experience that we had put too much water in the jar; Hence, the worms trying to escape. To help with that issue, we realized that next time, we need to put a layer of pebbles at the bottom. This will help regulate the water issue.

2.) Keep the soil moist, but not too moist.

You might find that a sprayer is helpful. Personally, we just sprinkled some water on the top.

3.) Use a breathable lid or material to cover jar

Next, we learned that we need to put cheese cloth or some breathable lid around the top to keep all worms inside but still allowing them to breathe. Honestly, we would be more likely to poke holes in a lid. Whatever works for you!

4.) Put a top layer of leaves and or small pieces of fruit/veggies

We also learned that it would have been a good idea to put a layer of leaves and small pieces of fruit or veggies in the middle and at the top. This will give the worms a dark place to hide underneath and will provide much needed worm food.

5.) Create layers of different types of soil/grass/sand

The first time we created the worm habitat in a jar, we filled our jar with loamy soil that had some mulch mixed in. This wasn’t necessarily on purpose, it was just there. Even though we had one type of soil, you could still see the movement of the worms in tunnels and holes through the side of the jar. However, if you put alternating layers of soil, grass, and sand, then you will be able see the evidence of a worm’s natural job. Besides fertilizing the soil with worm casts, God gave worms the important purpose of aerating and mixing the soil.

6.) Put dark construction paper around jar

Another tip is to tape dark construction paper around the jar. If you do this, worms will burrow around the edges of the glass, which makes for great viewing days after when you take the paper off.

7.) Keep the temperature in your worm habitat nice and cozy

One thing you must not forget is to keep the temperature nice and cozy for your worms. They prefer to live in temperatures ranging from 60-80 degrees. That is why I recommend investigating worms during the Spring months.

8.) Release worms back into natural habitat

Please put your worms back into their natural habitat. No trashcans please. Put them in your garden. Your worms and plants will be happy.

9.) Record your investigation and observations

You will find 4 printables when you download our Worm Lab Sheets. I love that these lab sheets require your student to put their worm investigation into written words describing and drawing conclusions. The first worksheet lays out the procedure for creating a worm habitat in a jar. After that, there are three lab sheets. You can choose to use only the first one or the first one and one of the others. The last 2 lab sheets are virtually the same with the exception of “1 week later” or “2 weeks later.” Whichever one you choose, have fun!