SK Worm

SK Worm has an announcement!

“Help Me Get On The Road Again!”

I heard a song sung

Talking Earth Worm Teaches Importance of Soil

Check Availability and SK Worm Documentation

What better way to learn about soil than to have a critter that lives in the soil tell all about its’ environment? An exciting project that was completed in 2010 by Erie Basin is the S. K. Worm project.

Scientific Knowledge Worm was originated by the creativity of Coordinator, Mike Patterson & built by Life Formations of Bowling Green, Ohio and arrived at the Erie Basin Resource Conservation & Development Office on 3/1/2010. This project consists of a six foot tall museum quality animatronics model of the NRCS mascot S. K. Worm coming out of a detailed soil monolith that shows soil layers, structure, color, rocks, animals, and artifacts. S. K. Worm allows for basic audience interactivity. The model moves and talks; activated either by a push button interface or from live takeover controlled by an instructor.

He was designed to help 3^rd Grade students meet their Ohio Dept. of Education Benchmarks for Earth & Space science. He teaches Soil Composition, Soil Conservation, Soil Diversity, and renewable energy.  S K Worm is the only animatronics earthworm in the World. The model can also be used at events to educate the general public on the importance of soils in our environment, including fairs, field days, day camps, and other venues. S K Worm now has a shorter program for Fair Booth/EXPO Booth demonstrations.

The S.K. Worm model is available for rental by educators and other groups. S. K. Worm is transported in a trailer modified with a wrap showing a cross section of the state of Ohio starting on the shores of Lake Erie and ending on the banks of the Ohio River. Ohio Geology, Ohio energy sources, and conservation practices are depicted on the trailer.

The creation of this Soil Wonder was made possible with funding from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s OEEF; the Ohio Lake Erie Buffer Team; Erie Basin RC&D; the USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service; and the Ohio Electric Cooperatives.  The $84,000 Project was composed of:  SK Worm $52,000, a $3,000 Trailer with a $4,000 Picture Wrap, and $25,000 worth of volunteer’s time (in-kind)!

Over 45,616 adults and 41,539 children, so far, have enjoyed learning about our Countries Greatest Natural Resource, it’s Soil.  S K Worm has traveled over 11,517 miles and visited 52 Counties; performing 213 days at 131 events plus 67 school programs totaling 6,749 students. He has earned $11,797 and has had repairs costing $1,750.

For more information on the S.K. Worm model, including detailed rental information, contact the Erie Basin RC&D at 419-681-6013. The Erie Basin RC&D Office is located in Norwalk, Ohio.

SK Worm Committee