What an Earthworm Experiences – A Cologne Children’s University Project

What does an earthworm have to do with scientific research? Quite a lot—at least according to Dr. Janina Nett (Geomorphology & Geochronology research group) and Junior Professor Dr. Svenja Riedesel (Critical Zone Research Group). Together, they led a two-day Cologne Children’s University project in March 2026 that introduced young participants to the fascinating world beneath our feet.

Titled “What an Earthworm Experiences in the Soil,” the project invited children to explore soils not just as something we walk on, but as a dynamic and vital part of our environment.

Fieldwork in the forest: Exploring soils firsthand

On the first day, the group met at the Königsforst and walked to a soil education trail. There, the children quickly discovered that soil is far from uniform: it can be sandy, rocky, light, dark—and it changes significantly with depth.

Guided by the researchers, the participants examined different soil types, learned about their composition, and discussed why soils are essential for ecosystems and human life. They also collected their own soil samples, experiencing what real scientific fieldwork looks like.

From home experiments to lab research

The learning didn’t stop in the forest. Between the two sessions, the children were given small “home experiments” to carry out independently. This extended the research process into their everyday lives.

On the second day, the group reconvened in the laboratory at the University of Cologne. There, they analyzed their collected samples and combined their findings with the results from their experiments at home. This allowed them to better understand soil diversity and its importance.

Making science tangible

This project is a great example of outreach in action: making complex scientific topics accessible and engaging – starting from an early age. By actively involving participants in hands-on research, asking questions, and experimenting, science becomes something tangible and exciting.

And perhaps most importantly, the project highlights a key message: protecting soil means protecting the earthworm, its ecosystem—and ultimately, ourselves.