Worms in the Classroom
Since 1992, over 7,000 New Hampshire
students have had the opportunity to learn about science, math, language,
reducing, recycling, and an endless list of other subjects with the assistance
of one quarter of a million red wiggler worms!
Introducing Vermicomposting
Vemicomposting uses worms to "recycle" food waste indoors to produce a
high quality "soil". This indoor, no-maintenance and odor-free method of
composting has led to numerous opportunities for discussion and general fun.
Because of children's general fascination with worms, Vermicomposting can be an
easy, inexpensive, and realistic way for children to become involved with the
issues of solid waste management.
Worms In the Classroom Activity Ideas
Left overs from kid's lunches
becomes dinner for the worms, teaching students that "waste" can be a resource
and even the lowest of creatures (the worm) can make a difference. Available for
free from the NH Governor's Recycling Program is a "how to" guide on worm
composting, as well as Worms In the Classroom Activity Ideas, a 31 page
booklet with activity sheets and classroom ideas that apply to:
- Environmental Awareness: What is waste? How does
our community dispose of it? How much food do we throw away? What is
recycling? What can be recycled?
- Math: Charts, graphs, and measurements of food
consumed, reproduction rates, etc.
- Science: What else lives with the worms? How do
the worms reproduce? Do they have eyes? Ears? Skeletons? How do they react to
heat? Light? Water? Do plants grow well in compost?
- Language Arts: vocabulary words, poems, short
stories.
To receive information on incorporating vermicomposting into the classroom,
contact the NH Governor's Recycling
Program, 2 1/2 Beacon Street, Concord, NH 03301-4497, or call (603)
271-1098.
Worm Composting Resources
To borrow any of the following publications,
please complete the Order
Form and return it to the NH Governor's Recycling Program, 2 1/2 Beacon
Street, Concord, NH 03301-4497. If you are unable to print the file, please call
us at (603) 271-1098 and we will send you the form in the mail.
Books
- Earthworms, Dirt, and Rotten Leaves
Grade: 9-12
Length: 84 Pages
Source: Molly
McLaughlin
Description: Displays the importance of earthworms in
our environment.
- Earthworms: Nature's Recyclers
Grade: K-6
Length: 16 Pages
Source: Joanne
Breckenridge
Description: Provides a general introduction into
earthworms and worm farms.
- Worms Eat My Garbage
Grade: K-12
Length: 82 Pages
Source: Mary Applehoff
Description: Provides a comprehensive description of how to set up
a vermicomposting system.
- Wormology
Grade: 1-6
Length: 48 Pages
Source: Michael Elshon Rose
Description: Introduces the world of worms in a fun and innovative
way.
Curricula
- Worms Eat Our Garbage
Grade: 2-8
Length: 196 Pages
Source: Mary Applehoff
Description: Provides specific classroom activities related to worm
composting.
- Worms in the Classroom Activity Ideas
Grade: K-12
Length: 32 Pages
Source: NH
Governor's Recycling Program
Description: Provides activities for
elementary and junior high students on worm composting.
Video Tapes
- Vermicomposting
Grade: 9-12
Length: 25 Minutes
Source: Arbour Recycled Products
Description: Demonstrates setting up, feeding, maintaining, and
harvesting your worm bin for food waste composting.
- Wormania!
Grade: 4-6
Length: 26 Minutes
Source: Mary Applehoff
Description: Explains how worms can help the environment and a step
by step "how to" for a food waste worm composting bin.
- Worm Bin Creatures: Alive Through A Microscope
Grade: 4-6
Length: 31 Minutes
Source: Mary
Applehoff
Description: Introduces the tiny organisms that are often
seen but rarely identified in a worm bin!
Wilma the Composting Worm Graphic Reprinted with
Permission from the Cornell Cooperative Extension