Vermicomposting

Closing the Loop

Elementary

Description

Vermicomposting consists of a series of five lessons which teach students the basics of vermicomposting. The activities link this concept with what students already know about decomposition, feeding and digestion, soil, living things, recycling and the environment. Students learn how to make compost in the classroom with the help of red worms.

Lesson 1 - The Basics of Vermicomposting - Students learn about food waste and paper recycling through vermicomposting basics, red worm needs, and set-up of a worm bin.

Lesson 2 - Getting to Know Red Worms - Students learn how to observe and handle red worms.

Lesson 3 - Cycles in Nature and Red Worm Development - Students learn about natural cycles through observation of decomposition stages and results.

Lesson 4 - The Effects Worms have on Soil - Students learn how red worms improve the soil and how people depend on this enhanced soil.

Lesson 5 - Using Composting and Promoting Vermicomposting Students learn about harvesting, using worm compost and sharing about vermicomposting.

Students will:

  • Setup a vermicomposting bin.
  • Observe a red worm using a magnifying glass and record their observations.
  • Measure a red worm and develop a graph to compare the length of 20 worms.
  • Examine and describe worm castings.

  • Design a chart describing what to feed or not to feed red worms.

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General Assessment

Themes Addressed

Relevant Curriculum Units