Earthworms are ideal specimens to use for teaching basic anatomy and investigating simple organ systems. Although these annelids, or segmented worms, are one of the simpler preserved invertebrates, the digestive, circulatory, reproductive and nervous systems are well developed and easy to identify. Our sixth grade students learned about body parts, including the mouth, pharynx, hearts, clitellum, digestive track and more. They also studied the lifestyle of worms and why they are important in daily life, especially to farmers. |