Science Expo 2013 Wamogo’s Wonder Worm Ms. Clarkin’s Honors Biology

Problem How can we improve soil aeration?

Hypothesis If 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 - Batteries Stocking

Variables Independent Variable: type of worms Dependent Variable: amount of water Control: soil without worms Control Variables: amount of water, amount of dirt, time elapsed

Procedure 1. 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 SOILWATER DRAINED BEFORE WATER DRAINED AFTER POURING 20ML OF WATER None2.4 mL4.2 mL 10 live worms after 2 days 2.4 mL9.6 mL 10 live worms after 4 days 2.4 mL14 mL

Results April 1 st, 2013 ~7hours = 4.2 mL of Water April 3 rd, 2013 ~48 hours = 9.6 mL of Water April 5 th, 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!