The Adventures of Herman the Worm

Provided by: University of Illinois Extension |Published on: June 13, 2025

Articles/Websites

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Synopsis

The story of Herman the Worm, brought to students through the University of Illinois Extension, gives students a look into the history, importance, and benefits of worms.
The webpage allows students to interact with the information presented in a multitude of ways in order to better connect to the everyday Earthworm and learn how to set up and care for a classroom earth bin.

Subjects: Science, Mathematics

Authors: University of Illinois Extension

Region: United States, Illinois

Languages: English, Spanish

Positives

The website introduces important vocabulary, the anatomy, and the taxonomy of the worm in an elementary-friendly way.
The website is interactive for students and even allows them to relate their own family trees to the taxonomy of a worm.
The story of Herman the Worm uses humor to connect to students in order to let them understand the parts of a worm. It even gives a mini-quiz after learning the anatomy of a worm.

Prerequisites

Students will need their own devices and access to the internet to fully explore the story of Herman.
Javascript is required for some of the online and interactive components of the webpage.
Some of the resources under Worm Links may not open. Additionally, the link to download the poster is broken.
Teachers will need to gather materials and organize students to create and care for the worm bin, should they implement this project.

Differentiation & Implementation

The resource is also available in Spanish.
As an early-finishers activity, consider letting students draw their own pictures of Herman. Pictures can be scanned and emailed or mailed to the address on the website. Students then will be able to see their artwork via the Art Gallery link by clicking on their home state.
Students can create their own Herman story using the Fun Place link on the website. Here students will also be able to submit worm jokes that may be displayed on the webpage. They can also create an A to Z list of words related to worms.
This primary lesson on composting may be used in conjunction with the story of Herman to help the primary grades understand the importance of composting and what role a worm can play in breaking down food waste.
With older students, teachers can explain the connection between food waste, composting, and climate change, describing how worms break down food so that it doesn't rot and release greenhouse gases.
This composting word search activity can further introduce important vocabulary related to composting to students through this interactive game.

Scientist Notes

Teaching Tips

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Resource Type and Format