Vermiculture is the method of using earthworms to speed up the process of composting, which is recycling organic matter as a fertilizer or soil amendment.  Worms provide a vital role in our ecosystems by converting decomposing organic matter (what they eat) into fertilizer called castings (what they defecate).  Many schools enjoy establishing a Worm Bin Farm or Vermicompost Station, where their students can study the earthworms (a wonderful example of an invertebrate), the process of decomposition using worms, and the use of composted materials and castings in the gardens around the outdoor classroom.

Click on the links below for more details:

Earthworm Facts        Vermiculture Info         Worm Bin Project Plan & Budget
 

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All about Earthworms...
Earthworm Facts (as a powerpoint) / Earthworm Facts (as a PDF)
These include information about the biology of an earthworm, along with important information about how and why earthworms are important as decomposers. 
 

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All about Vermiculture...
Vermiculture Info (as a powerpoint) / Vermiculture Info (as a PDF)
These include details about what to "feed" to the worms and how to maintain the worm bin farm.
 

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How to Build a Worm Bin Farm...
Worm Bin Farm Project Plan & Budget (PDF)
This PDF includes a list of materials needed along with step-by-step instructions on how to build a Worm Bin Farm.



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