Vermicomposting Curricula

Teachers are understanding how beneficial vermicomposting lessons are in classrooms. A variety of curricula have been created using earthworms amd worm bins for educational activities in mathematics, science, fine arts, language arts, music, social studies, and physical education.

Book List for Teachers

Composting Across the Curriculum:A Teacher's Guide to Composting by Tahara Ezrahti (1993). Uses 21 activities to connect composting to social studies, language arts, math, science, fine arts, music and physical education for ages 7-adult. Includes how to set up and maintain worm bins and backyard composting bins. 118 pp. Send $8.50 including shipping and handling to Marin County Hazardous and Solid Waste Management Authority, Office of Waste Management, 10 N. San Pedro Road, Suite 1022, San Rafael, CA 94903-4155. Telephone (415) 499-6647.

The Living Soil...Exploring Soil Science and Sustainable Agriculture With Your Guide, The Earthworm by Agricultural Education and Studies at Iowa State University (1993). This curriculum provides teachers with lab and field exercises. A videotape shows a worm's-eye view of agriculture's impact on the living soil. 126 pp. Send $49.00 plus $4.90 shipping and handling to Agricultural Education and Studies, Iowa State University, 201 Curtiss Hall, Ames, IA 50011-1050. Telephone (515) 294-0045.

SAVE: Schools Advancing Vermicomposting Education by Cindy Bass (1993). Has five activities for each of Bloom's six levels of thinking skills (30 activities total) covering the curriculum areas of language arts, math, science, social/relationships, and artistic/creative. Includes cassette tape. 90 pp. Send $14.95 plus $1.00 shipping and handling to Cindy Bass, 2223 Alder, Eugene, OR 97405.

Squirmy Wormy Composters by Bobbie Kalman & Janine Schaub (1992). Not a true curriculum, but full of activities related to vermicomposting, and lots of great pictures. 32 pp. ISBN 0-86505-555-6. Send $7.95 to Crabtree Publishing Co., 350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 3308, New York, NY 10118.

Vermicomposting Leader's Guide: A 5th Grade School Enrichment Curriculum (Sherman, R., Liverman, R., & Maxa, E., E08-50326 4H-16-14PW, 2008, 28 pp.). A new curriculum for teachers, extension agents, and educators to use. FREE.

The Wonderful World of Wigglers by Julia Hand - Common Roots Guidebook (1995). The crucial relationship between earthworms, the soil, and ecological sustainability is emphasized through social studies, applied scientific method, language arts, math, art, music, dance, and physical activity for ages 5-10. 164 pp. ISBN 1-884430-01-7. Send $14.95 plus $3.00 shipping and handling to Common Roots Press, Food Works, 64 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602. Telephone (800) 310-1515.

Wormania! by Flowerfield Enterprises (1995). This educational and entertaining video features Mary Appelhof and live worms at work. For ages 8 and up; includes a 48 page teaching guide. ISBN 0-942256-09-3. Send $34.90 plus $3.50 shipping and handling to Flowerfield Enterprises,10332 Shaver Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49002. Telephone (616) 327-0108.

Worms Are a Class Act! by Viscor Distribution (1996). This curriculum covers interesting facts on the life of earthworms and their role in the environment. The importance of worms with soils and plants is emphasized in projects and ideas for ages 6-14. 175 pp. Send $19.95 to Viscor Distribution, 4291 Meridian Street, Suite 402, Bellingham, WA 98226. Telephone (800) 609-1223 or (604) 460-0439.

Worms Eat Our Garbage:Classroom Activities for a Better Environment by Mary Appelhof, Mary F. Fenton & Barbara Harris (1993). Soil science, plant growth studies, and ecological issues are integrated with 150+ earthworm activities to help students develop science, math, language, and problem-solving skills for grades 4-8. 232 pp. ISBN 0-942256-03-4. Send $21.95 plus $3.00 shipping and handling to Flowerfield Enterprises,10332 Shaver Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49002. Telephone (616) 327-0108.

Worms Go to School by D. Smith and Eggen, A. (1996). Twenty-six vermicomposting investigations for the environmental sciences. ISBN 1-896892-00-0. Send $10 Canadian to Original Vermicomposter, 2328 Queen Street East, Toronto, Ontario M4E 1G9. Telephone (416) 693-1027.

This listing does not imply endorsement of these curricula
nor criticism of similar curricula not listed.