This session is an indoor version of that given in session seven on the Schools Compost classes (1)  page. It is designed to show the rates at which different foodstock is turned to compost by the action of worms in a classroom wormery. It also provides an opportunity for students to produce a photographic record of the different stages of the process which can be displayed on a project poster. It is suggested that the activity is completed in groups each using a different foodstuff.

The photos on this pageand elsewhere on the site may be copied and reproduced freely. Please acknowledge Carryon comosting.com as the source.

Equipment required

• Two or more Wiggo pods or a wormery made from stacking boxes/flower pots.  A lid for the wormery either the box lid (with air holes added) of a flowerpot saucer
• Compost from an existing wormery or compost bin
• Ten worms per wormery
• A different fruit or vegetable as food for each wormery
• Scales to weigh the food( if it is intended to carry out comparison by weight)

Procedure

1. If not using a Wiggo Pod or similar commercial wormery make a simple wormery can be made using two small plastic stacking boxes (preferably with coloured not transparent sides as the worms prefer the dark.) The boxes are used stacked one on top of the other with small drainage holes are drilled in the top one. The lower box is used as a reservoir to collect the “worm wee” Flower pots can be used as an alternative if stood in a container to catch the worm wee.
2. The top box (or main section of the Wiggo pod) is quarter filled with compost from an existing bin and ten composting worms are added from an existing wormery of compost bin.
3. The fruit or vegetable being composted is cut into small pieces and placed on top of the compost.
4. The wormery is covered with a lid. (If using a lid on a plastic box wormery make air holes.
5. Check and photograph the decomposition process at least weekly

The situation at Day 1 is shown below. more pictures will be added. Betting on the outcome is not encouraged

More comparisons of waste being decomposed in Wiggo Pods each originally containing ten worms