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Vermi-composting (K-3)

Grade/Subjects:

  • Grades K-3 Sciences; Social Studies (Environmental)

Topic/Length:

  • Vermi-composting (food waste composting using worms) 40-50 mins.

Objectives:

  • To introduce basic concepts concerning vermi-composting and to briefly discuss outdoor composting techniques.

Common Essential Learnings:

  • critical and creative thinking
  • social and personal values

Prerequisite Student Learnings:

  • some basic scientific principles (life is found everywhere, etc.)
  • previous exposure to composting (e.g., backyard composting at home) is an asset

Methods/Strategies:

  • Set: 5- 10 mins. Introduce concept vermi-composting. Define vermi-composting and composting terms.
    • Ask for anecdotes from students (which families compost now, student's ideas about vermi-composting and compositing, etc. )
  • Development:  
    • 10 mins. - PowerPoint vermi-compost presentation and discussion. Talk about the information that is communicated in the presentation.
    • 10 mins. - Vermi-compost exploration and discussion. Discuss basic vermi-composting principles. Students can investigate backyard composting and ideas behind composting. Use of worm bin and candy worms.

  • Puppet-Show Presentation: 10 mins. Presentation provided by Street Culture Project.

  • Closure: 5 mins.  Review care of worms – do not over handle, bury fresh food, and refer to the information that is available in the manual for guidance.

Materials/Resources:

  • Online information about composting from the City of Regina's website and City of Regina printed materials
  • Worm bins
  • Vermi-composting manuals (e.g., "Pee Wee's Family in a Nutshell", "Pee Wee and the Magical Compost Heap")
  • Waste reduction brochures
  • Vermi-composting PowerPoint presentation and required display hardware

Assessment/Evaluation:

  • Nothing formal – question for understanding.

Reflections/Notes:

  • A good lesson for a science class or a social studies class (the environment)

  • Use in beginning classes Junior Science or Social Studies with focus on appropriate topics for that particular discipline.