I'm a Worm, Get Me Out of Here uses different-coloured baits (worms
) that are selected and eaten by birds. Students start by presenting birds with equal numbers of two different-coloured worms made from spaghetti and various food colourings. Each day, or at regular intervals, they breed
the surviving worms – using a simple formula to calculate how many worms of each colour will be in the next generation. Over time the proportion of the type of worms that the birds leave uneaten increases, and this simulates directional selection.
Students can also test which factors influence the rate at which the two types of prey are selected by the birds. What happens when you change the colour of background that the worms are placed on? The location of the test area? The size of the worms?
What's in the kit?
The kit for I'm a Worm, Get Me Out of Here contains everything you need to run the experiment in school including:
- spaghetti
- food colouring
- notes for teachers, students and technicians
- RSPB pocket guide to birds.
How long will it take?
The experiment is designed to be flexible. It's up to the user how many times the worms
are bred
, so you can fit it to the time available. Students can also extend the project to investigate a number of different factors.
How do I order?
Follow the links on this page, or click here. Remember, the kits are completely free to UK state secondary schools. You are entitled to one kit for each age group in your school, so take a look at our other two experiments too!
