This video is a 100-day time-lapse of a vermicomposting bin that is divided into three chambers containing leaves, cardboard, or paper.
Students can visualize the process of decomposition and watch new soil being formed.
The accompanying article provides information on the process of vermicomposting and includes links to several websites and videos that show beginners how to build their own vermicomposting bins.
Teaching Tips
Positives
Students will enjoy watching the worms break down the compost material.
There is an upbeat song playing during the time-lapse.
Additional Prerequisites
Teachers can share this resource on Google Classroom by clicking the green icon on the right-hand side of the screen.
The ratios of brown matter to green matter in the video are for demonstration purposes and not necessarily the ideal ratios for vermicomposting.
Differentiation
Teachers could use this video to introduce the class to a vermicomposting project.
Students could sort different waste items into brown matter or green matter (examples are provided in the description).
Other resources on this topic include this video on soil formation, this NASA video on Earth's soil, this lesson and activity on the role of soil in healthy ecosystems, and this lesson and experiment on soil and the carbon cycle.
Scientist Notes
This resource is a 5-minute time-lapse video with an accompanying description of the video. The 100-day time-lapse video compares three vermicomposting bins: one filled with leaves, one filled with cardboard, and one filled with paper. The video demonstrates earthworms' amazing ability to break down organic material. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Standards
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
ESS2: Earth's Systems
MS-ESS2-1 Develop a model to describe the cycling of Earth's materials and the flow of energy that drives this process.
ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
5-ESS3-1 Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environment.
LS2: Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
MS-LS2-5 Evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.
5-LS2-1 Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment.
HS-LS2-3 Construct and revise an explanation based on evidence for the cycling of matter and flow of energy in aerobic and anaerobic conditions.