Study a snail to learn more about these slimy, slow creatures.
What You Need
- Clear container
What You Do
- Find a Snail
Just follow the trail: Silvery tracks of dried slime may lead you straight to a snail (or a slug).
No trails? Then look in their favorite hiding places: under rocks, logs, and damp leaves or on the plants in a garden. - Have a Snail Race
Just how slow does a snail go? Draw a circle on the ground and put a snail in the middle. Use a watch to time how long it takes the snail to crawl out. Or set two snails side by side. Which one wins the race? - Observe Your Snail’s Movement
To see your snail in action, put it in a clear container and watch it move from underneath. Do you see the muscles in its foot rippling? Can you see its tiny mouth? - Find “Sleeping” Snails
Has winter weather already arrived where you live? Not to worry! It’s a perfect time to find ‘sleeping’ snails. If you look under leaves, rocks, or logs, you may find one tucked in for a long nap. Shhh! Don’t wake it up. But do check for a special ‘door’ over its shell opening. That’s dried mucus the snail makes to keep out winter’s cold, dry air. In a few months, look for your friend again to tell it “happy spring!”
Be sure to return snails to their homes as soon as you’ve finished studying them!