Science Expo 2013

Wamogo’s Wonder Worm

Ms. Clarkin’s Honors Biology

ProblemHow can we improve soil aeration?

HypothesisIf the worm is effective, then about half of the amount of water put in the soil will drain out because the soil will have good aeration.

Materials List- Nickel and titanium wire- Beaker- Coffee filter- Water- Live Worms- 2 tanks- Soil- BatteriesStocking

VariablesIndependent Variable: type of worms

Dependent Variable: amount of water

Control: soil without worms

Control Variables: amount of water, amount of dirt, time elapsed

Procedure1. Put 4 inches of soil in a tank

2. Test 1 cup of soil with the coffee filter; add 1/2 cup of water

3. Record how much water drains out after 1 minute

4. Put 10 worms in one tank and the meshworm in the other

5. Leave the worms for 5 hours (for us, 9:30 - 2:30)

6. Test the soils again

7. Record and analyze

Table

WORMS IN SOIL WATER DRAINED BEFORE

WATER DRAINED AFTER POURING 20ML OF WATER

None 2.4 mL 4.2 mL

10 live worms after 2 days

2.4 mL 9.6 mL

10 live worms after 4 days

2.4 mL 14 mL

ResultsApril 1st, 2013

~7hours = 4.2 mL of Water

April 3rd, 2013

~48 hours = 9.6 mL of Water

April 5th, 2013

After~96 hours = 14 mL of Water

Conclusion We weren’t able to make a functioning worm but

we have a model of what we wanted it to be.

Our goal was to have a meshworm that expands and contracts (like a worm) to aerate the soil.

If we can move on to the rest of the Expo we will find a way to make a functioning meshworm!