Potential Cross-Curricular Applications of a Worm Bin For
the Elementary School Classroom
by Jen Fong and Paula Hewitt
Language Arts:
- read/write stories about worms
- vocabulary development
- worm bin journals
- worm puppet shows
- create newsletter/information sheet on worm composting
- library work to find out information/books about worms and
recycling
- write to Department of Sanitation requesting information
on recycling
Math:
- count worms
- measure and weigh worms, food scraps
- sort worms (by size, color, etc.)
- metric measurements/conversions
- graph worm information such as population increase, amount
of food eaten
- measure bin, three dimensional measuring, calculate area
and volume
- ratios (worms to garbage, big worms to small worms, etc.)
- averages (how much food per day, week, month)
Science:
- worm anatomy
- worm needs and adaptations
- worm life cycle and reproduction
- scientific method/ worm experiments
- organic vs. non organic
- decomposition, mold, fungi
- food chain, food webs, ecology
- scientific classification and different species of worms
- other worm bin organisms (e.g., sowbugs, ants, mites, millipedes,
centipedes)
Geography and Social Studies:
- climate and worms (red worms are native to the South)
- farming techniques/ crops around the world
- garbage around the world (how much do other countries produce?)
Horticulture:
- soil composition
- compost, compost piles
- plant parts/needs
- planting lessons and experiments (do plants grow better in
compost?)
Other Potential Topics:
- waste reduction: reduce, reuse, recycle
- landfills
©Jen Fong and Paula Hewitt
Cornell Waste Management Institute © 1996
Department of Crop and Soil Sciences
Bradfield Hall, Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
607-255-1187
cwmi@cornell.edu
