The dig pit

1. A dig pit can be created in a small space. It's best to find a non-concreted area and clearly mark the digging zone with rope to ensure children are aware of the boundaries. Learning will evolve with the dig pit over time.  
2. If your setting has no natural surfaces, you could use a container and fill it with soil and rocks – this could also be achieved indoors with a tuff tray.    
3. It's likely that children will find insects while digging, providing the opportunity to discuss their role as decomposers. Example: worms eat dead things and turn them into soil. Soil helps plants to grow, and plants help to create clean air for us to breathe.
4. Posing 'I wonder’ questions can support learners to discuss the importance of worms (see below).
5. Remember to tell learners that it's safe to touch worms for a short period but for the worms to remain healthy and happy, they should largely remain wet and in the soil. Once learners have finished exploring the dig pit, they should be in the routine of washing their hands.   

‘I wonder’ statements  

• I wonder what would happen if there were no worms?
• I wonder if worms prefer dry or damp soil?
• I wonder how many layers there are?
• I wonder what the soil is made up off?
• I wonder what the insects eat?
• I wonder how old this rock is?