LEARNING ACTIVITY
Creating a worm farm
Climate Region: Arid | Temperate | Tropical
State or Territory: ACT | NSW | NT | QLD | SA | TAS | VIC | WA
Age Range: 7-13

STORY

Amir and his family had lived in their inner suburban flat since arriving in Australia. His dad had continued his love of gardening by growing fresh herbs, fruit and veggies on their balcony. With careful planning, some trial and error along with a lot of patience, the family were reaping the rewards. There were edible plants hanging from pots, some on shelves and others climbing against frames. Amir had noticed some space under the shelves and he knew it would be the perfect spot for a worm farm. It was a dark and cool place, he knew nothing would grow there. As vegetarians, they both ate a plant rich diet and that meant a lot of organic waste – yummy food for worms! Amir knew from his local Scouts group how to create a worm farm using a polystyrene box. It had been easy to build, he would invite his friends around to give him a hand. Amir’s dad was very happy to help too, he knew the worm farm would help make his plants grow stronger and healthier, and make the food taste delicious.

ACTIVITY OVERVIEW

Food and gardening scraps thrown into household bins becomes landfill. When food waste breaks down in landfill, it emits greenhouse gases including methane gas which traps heat in our atmosphere. Diverting this organic waste from landfill and into a worm farm or composting system is great for your garden and for our planet. Worms can turn garden waste into rich fertilizer.

Outcomes

For children to:

  • understand the connection between some living things and value the role of all living things (even the crawly and slimy ones!)
  • look beneath the ground’s surface and discover what is happening below.
  • appreciate an earthworm’s ability to recycle our waste and transform it into a natural fertiliser.
  • undertake the task of building and managing a worm farm.
SEASONAL NOTES

This activity can be undertaken any time of year, the worm farm needs to be located in a cool well-protected shady place, which can be either inside or outside.

Did you know?

Earthworms improve the structure, fertility and health of soil.

Did you know?

Earthworms eat organic matter such as garden or food scraps and turn it into vermicast. Vermicast is the richest and most important part of all soils as it increases microbial activity in the soil. These microorganisms help to keep the soil healthy.

Did you know?

As worms move through the soil they dig holes allowing the soil to breathe. This also allows rainwater to move deep into the soil to the plant roots.

Did you know?

Earthworms improve the structure, fertility and health of soil.

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