Calvary Lutheran School Students Start Worm Composting Project

The third and fourth grade students at Calvary Lutheran School in San Lorenzo have started two worm composting bins to help recycle food scraps and other organic material into soil for their plants — but most importantly, to help give back to the earth.

“I want my students to learn how to give back by using the resources around them,” says Christina Grace, third and fourth grade teacher.

The two pounds of worms are from Red Earth Worms, a local business owned by one of the student’s father.

The students bring the worms leftover food from home such as fruits and vegetables, and other materials such as shredded paper and tea bags. Not only do the students feed the worms but they also catch any escaping from the composting bins.

This is the second year Grace has done worm composting with her class — this year being more successful. Last year, the students were so good at bringing in food for the worms that they ended up overfeeding the worms. 

“They exploded!”, joked one of the students.

According to the students, the worm composting has helped them learn a lot about the worms, the earth and its resources.

For example, a worm eats half of its body weight; or that worms can’t eat anything acidic because it’s toxic to the worms.

The students have also gained a sense of responsibility — after all, they are taking care of the worms on top of doing their schoolwork and taking care of their class turtle and two bearded dragons.

The class is enjoying the worm-composting project but if there’s one thing they can’t stand about it…it’s the horrible stench of the compost.

“IT STINKS!!!”, exclaimed the class.