Make a catworm
Have fun making a model of a catworm and add it to your seabed in a box if you are making one.
Ages 5+
15+ minutes
Part of:
Convex Seascape SurveyEnjoy exploring seabed life by making a catworm out of plasticine. Catworms are predatory marine worms that feed in the sediment and scavenge for small animals in and on the muddy or sandy seafloor.
Activity steps
Step 1
Take a 4 cm ball of modelling clay and roll it into a long thin shape, slightly thicker at one end, and tapering at the other. It should be about 15 cm long and flattish.
Step 2
Take another 1 cm ball of modelling clay for the head. Roll this into a sausage shape the same width as the thick end of the body.
Step 3
Make a small indent on one end and using a modelling tool make little marks to represent the feelers around the mouth. Then attach the head to the body.
Step 4
Add segments to the body by making stripes at regular intervals. A catworm usually has 90 to 200 segments, but don’t worry about doing far fewer!
Step 5
Add legs along the length of the body, roughly one on either side of each segment. These can be made from rice grain-sized pieces of modelling clay or by using a toothpick or modelling tool to make indents on the side of the body
Step 6
Finally, add neon paint if using to represent the organic matter attached to the side of the catworm.
Safety guidance
- Make sure that children wash their hands thoroughly after using the modelling clay and paint.
- Work on a non-stick surface.
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