Environmental Education Topic for January:
Building a Worm Bin!
Ewwww. Why?
Complete the loop! Worms recycle food scraps into nourishing compost for plants that provide more food!
Kids can learn about the process of decomposition, gain responsibility as they care for living creatures, and develop an ethic of sustainability.
Activities
Worm Observation
Worms can be placed in the middle of the table. Kids can each take some worms and put them on a white she
et of paper in front of them. What makes a worm a worm? What do they look like? How do they act? Use magnifying lenses and microscopes for a closer view. How can you tell an adult worm from a juvenile worm? (It's the band or different colored ring on their body, not necessarily their size) Kids can name their worms, draw obstacle courses or houses for them on the paper and just have fun. Remember worms need to be moist, so limit the observation time so they don't dry out.
et of paper in front of them. What makes a worm a worm? What do they look like? How do they act? Use magnifying lenses and microscopes for a closer view. How can you tell an adult worm from a juvenile worm? (It's the band or different colored ring on their body, not necessarily their size) Kids can name their worms, draw obstacle courses or houses for them on the paper and just have fun. Remember worms need to be moist, so limit the observation time so they don't dry out.Building the Worm Bin
Worm bins can be made from wood, out of rubbermaid plastic containers, or ten gallon buckets. Choose the method that is best for you. Detailed instructions can be found here http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/compost/Easywormbin.htm and here http://www.seattletilth.org/learn/resources-1/compost/otsbinplans/view
The Basics:
1. Decorate your worm bin!
2. Drill ventilation holes in the bins according to the instructions.
3. Make bedding for your worms. Rip up old phone books and newspapers (recycling!), dip in water and wring out. The bedding should be moist, not sopping.
4. Assemble your worm bin. Bury food scraps in the bedding and cover with a damp piece of cardboard to keep the worms moist and dark.
Maintain and love your worms!
Make a How-To Manuel for Family and Friends
Take pictures of the process. Photocopy these next to each instruction. Or, print out instructions for kids to decorate with descriptive pictures. Kids can also write their own suggestions and steps.
Make a Worm Restaurant Menu
What would worms in your worm bin like to eat? Maybe a Chewed-Orange Peel Salad with Spilled Fruit Juice Dressing? You can discuss what would be good foods for the worm bin (veggies, fruits, coffee, tea, etc.) and what would not be so good (meat, dairy, oil, etc.). Kids can make menus in groups, share, and display.
Resources
Red Wriggler Worms (the kind you need for a worm bin) can be purchased on the internet or at Stone Way Hardware in Seattle. Contact Christine at cmorris@positiveplace.org for help leading a worm bin building activity.
