The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project
Vermicomposting
Vermicomposting
A 6th grade STEM lesson
Savita Narang
06/05/2023
Notes for teachers
List of Materials
Preparing the bin for vermicomposting will take just one period. Students need more time to feed the worms, to make observations, and to record observations and data.
Science Standards
6.L2U3.11 Use evidence to construct an argument regarding the impact of human activities on the environment and how they positively and negatively affect the competition for energy and resources in ecosystems.
6.L2U1.13 Develop and use models to demonstrate the interdependence of organisms and their environment including biotic and abiotic factors
Science and Engineering Practices
● ask questions and define problems
● develop and use models
●plan and carry out investigations
● analyze and interpret data
● use mathematics and computational thinking
● construct explanations and design solutions
● engage in argument from evidence
● obtain, evaluate, and communicate information
ELA Standards
6.RI.1 Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
6.RI.3 Analyze in detail how a key individual, event, or idea is introduced, illustrated, and developed in a text (e.g., through examples or anecdotes).
6.RI.7 Integrate information presented in different media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in words to develop a coherent understanding of a topic or issue.
Objectives:
Today we will watch ‘The Diary of a Worm’ and learn about red-wiggler worms.
Today we will read article ‘Worms on the Menu?’ and answer the questions based on it.
Today we will learn about the importance of worms in our ecosystem.
Today we will prepare a bed for the worms in our containers.
Today we will add food and worms to our containers.
Today we will collect data about the worms.
Agenda (Two months)
What are red-wiggler worms? What is their importance?
The Diary of a Worm - video and discussion
Vermicomposting - How Worms Can Reduce Our Waste - Video
Worms on the Menu? - Achieve 3000 Article and Worksheet
Preparing a vermicomposting bin
Collecting data
Intro/Driving Question/Opening
What is vermicomposting? What kind of worms are there in vermicompost? How are they different from earthworms in the garden?
What is Vermicomposting?
Vermicomposting is making use of worms to break down organic matter and turn it into rich soil.
Diary of a Worm
Vermicomposting: How worms can reduce our waste - Matthew Ross
Worms on the Menu?
Students will read the article in order to understand the importance of vermicomposting. They will answer the questions based on the article.
Hands-on Activity Instructions
Constraints:
Right kind of food
Right amount of food
Right temperature
Right amount of moisture
Assessment
Students will make observations. They will use some mathematical concepts to collect data. Have students answer these questions based on their data:
Differentiation
Some kids might be scared of touching the worms. Those kids can take part in getting the worm bins ready. They can also be asked to bring rotten food for the worms. They can also record observations made by their team members.
Remediation
Extension/Enrichment
1.Students can set up an experiment by taking two plants. They use vermicompost on one plant only. They can compare the growth of two plants.
2. Students can observe the effect of light or touch on the worms. They can also check how worms respond to change in temperature or any obstacle in their way.