Building a Vermicomposter Action Toolkit

Preparation:

• There is some significant teacher preparation and materials required. Teachers must provide red wiggler worms, Rubbermaid bins and lids, garden soil, trays, eggshells, newspaper, wooden splints, string, gloves, sensitive scales, and a power drill.

• If not in Canada, tweak the resource as needed.

• Note that this toolkit is also available in French.

• The resource provides student worksheets throughout the PDF, and there is a link at the bottom of page 3 to access them as Google Docs.

• The Global Goals webpage link on page 5 and the Waste Reduction Week Canada - Resources link on page 39 are broken.

• Recruit other classes to adopt a compost bin to maintain. The resource suggests one class per 1-2 compost bins.

• Review the appendices for necessary information about caring for the worms and maintaining the vermicomposter.

Differentiation:

• Some students may not want to work with the worms. Teachers should encourage but not force students to touch the worms.

Classroom Implementation:

• Use the resource in science classes to learn about worms, composting, ecosystems, and biotic vs abiotic factors.

• Use the resource in Earth science classes to learn about waste reduction, food waste, and sustainability.

• Reflection questions accompany many activities. Use these for independent journaling, small group discussions, or whole class share-outs.

Extensions:

• There are numerous links to additional resources throughout the lesson that can be used to learn more about topics of interest.

• The lesson includes multiple extension activities and assessment options.

Interdisciplinary Connections:

• Math:

  • Highlight the data collection, analysis, and graphing activities.