Vermicomposting for Schools
Introduction
Worms bins are found in thousands of classrooms (ranging from kindergarten through high school) throughout North America. Having a worm bin in the classroom enables students to learn about organic decomposition, the soil food web, and the relationship between earthworms and ecological sustainability. Vermicomposting is the perfect fit for State requirements that students learn about habitats and ecosystems. Students can learn a variety of subjects using a classroom worm bin, including science, history, math, language arts, music, geography, and social studies.
Publications & Resources
- Directory of Vermiculture Resources: by State In the U.S. and by Country: Worms, Supplies & Information.
- North Carolina Worm Resources (Vermicomposting News - No. 2, 8/96 (updated periodically)). Earthworms and supplies.
- NRS_USDA Tidbits for teachers and students- http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/education/
- Vermicomposting (Sherman, R., Vermicomposting News - 7/09). Brief overview of vermicomposting and its importance to the environment.
- Vermicomposting & Earthworm Q&A (Sherman, R., Vermicomposting News - 7/09). Simple questions and answers about vermicomposting and earthworms.
- Vermicomposting Curricula (Vermicomposting News - No.3, 3/97). Brief descriptions and ordering information.
- Vermicomposting Leader's Guide: A 5th Grade School Enrichment Curriculum (E08-50326 4H-16-14PW, 2008, 28 pp.). A new curriculum for teachers, extension agents, and educators to use.
- Worm Away Your Cafeteria Food Scraps! (AG-551, 1997). How to vermicompost cafeteria food scraps generated by schools or businesses.
- Worm Bin Troubleshooting (Sherman, R., Vermicomposting News - 7/09). Tips for taking care of your worm bin.
- Worms Can Recycle Your Garbage (Sherman, R., AG-473-18, 2012 revised). How to set up and maintain a worm bin in your home or office to compost food scraps.