Virtual Sprouting STEM: Snail Trail Activity Sheet

ACTIVITY SHEET SNAIL SLIME KEY TERMS •

Mucus - a slimy substance used for lubrication and protection

•

Nocturnal - most activities take place at night

•

Herbivorous - plant eating

STEPS

SUPPLIES • ½ cup of water • Mixing bowl • Spoon or mixing stick • 4 oz of glue • ¼ cup of liquid starch

1. Place glue into bowl.

2. Pour ½ cup of water into the bowl; mix with spoon or mixing stick.

3. Pour ¼ cup of liquid starch into the bowl and stir with spoon or mixing stick.

4. Continue to stir the glue mixture. You will know when the slime is properly mixed because it will not stick to your hands or the bowl but it will leave a slimy residue when it is touched.

EXPLORATION I wonder what snail slime feels like. I wonder why snails need this slime. How can it help them to move?

401 SW Second Street • Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 • 954.467.6637

ACTIVITY SHEET MAKE YOUR OWN SNAIL TRAIL WHY DO SNAILS MAKE SLIME? Acts like glue to stick to walls and helps them climb up vertical places.

•

Acts like oil to allow snail to glide over rough surfaces.

•

Acts like skin to protect the snail from bacteria and other hazards.

STEPS

SUPPLIES • • • •

•

Snail slime Q-tips Sheet protector Optional food coloring

1. Dip the Q-tips into the slime.

2. Draw lines like a snail around the sheet protector. Do your lines cross? Is your snail going straight or in circles?

3. Imagine what your snail is passing during its travels such as food, water, friends or enemies.

4. Optional, drop some food coloring in your slime, stir and try drawing again. What is the same and what is different?

EXPLORATION I wonder what it would be like to move like a snail. How do you think your snail’s trip would have been more difficult without the slime to help it move about?

401 SW Second Street • Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 • 954.467.6637