Creating a Worm Bin with Kids
Creating a worm bin is easy and brings the lessons of composting and natural degrading processes into the home or classroom. All you need is some worms, a few simple materials, and kitchen scraps and the kids will be well on their way to unique and tutoring new pets. Often when we think about worms, images of slimy, squishy creatures leap back out of our brains. In truth, earthworms are one of the hardest working creatures in nature and responsible for our soil quality, fertility, and tilth. Without worms, our land wouldn’t be as verdant and rich, and unused plant matter and detritus would take much longer to decompose. Teaching kids about the usefulness of worms is easy when you make a worm house.
Basic Worm House Design
One of the easiest ways to watch worms go about their business is by making an earthworm jar. This is especially suited for younger children. All you need is:
A large wide-mouth mason jar A smaller jar with lid that fits inside the larger jar Small rocks Rich soil Water Kitchen scraps A rubber band Nylon or cheesecloth Worms
Vermicomposting Worm House Design
A more permanent worm house design for older kids can be created using plastic bins or constructed wooden ones. Plastic bins are cheap, easy to use, and portable. For these, you simply need two bins that nest inside each other to make a worm house.
Lessons from Creating a Worm Bin
Older children may benefit from building a wooden worm house. There are many plans online and in vermicomposting articles. You can also order kits, if that is an easier route. Not only will children learn cooperative skills and enjoy a sense of accomplishment, but they also get to watch their new pets and see how quickly they break down the food scraps into soil. Noting how the worms move about the bin illustrates how worms move soil and increase tilth. Building earthworm homes also gives you an opportunity to talk about plant nutrition. The run-off liquid is a powerful fertilizer, chock full of nutrients. Teaching children the value of these little organisms also opens their eyes to other animals and their importance in nature. Plus, creating a worm bin is a fun family activity where the cycle of life is closely observed and lessons in conservation and recycling are recognized.
