Observing a Snail

What you'll need

• Notebook and pen
• Optional: magnifying glass

How it works

1. 
   1

   Observe: Watch how the snail slowly crawls across the meadow. Pay attention to its feelers, which help it explore its surroundings. Did you know it can see with its upper feelers and smell with its lower ones?

2. 
   2

   Examine the shell: Look at the spiral shell of the snail. It grows with the snail and provides protection. Snails can retreat into their shells when threatened.

3. 
   3

   Movement: Notice how the snail uses its slime to glide over the ground. The slime protects it from injury and dehydration and allows it to climb vertical surfaces.

4. 
   4

   Diet: Observe what plants the snail eats. Snails prefer dead plant material but also eat fresh leaves.

5. 
   5

   Snails are hermaphrodites, meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs. They lay eggs that hatch into baby snails.

6. 
   6

   Discuss the role of snails in the ecosystem. They help break down dead plants and serve as food for other animals like birds and hedgehogs.

7. 
   7

   The family had a great day in the meadow and learned a lot about snails. In the end, they said goodbye to the snail and let it continue its journey in peace.