In the months spanning October through December, 2013, we conducted experiments and studies in our offices to post on our Science Scene Facebook page. One of the studies was an earthworm study using the WormWatcher Compost Unit. Each day, we fed the worms, checked soil moisture levels, babied them, and patiently waited for the worm “tea”, which can be used as a liquid fertilizer. The worms went on a couple of field trips and conventions, and students have even come into our offices to see them and help take care of them. The worms gained a faithful following and everyone wanted “the dirt” on the worms.
In December, our WormWatcher was adopted by the Mississippi Natural Science Museum. Ms. Jessica Eaves, an Outreach Conservation Biologist for the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, takes them with her as she visits schools throughout Mississippi, educating the public about conservation efforts and Mississippi habitats and wildlife. Jessica is using the Worm Watcher to present programs in the classroom demonstrating the role and importance of worms in the composting process as it relates to the food chain.
Jessica says, "The students are able to apply information pertaining to the food chain by discussing the role of decomposers, seeing the process first hand, and having a hands on experience in the classroom. This is an excellent segway into learning about organisms that feed on the worms, and then animals that in turn feed on the larger animals. The students particularly enjoy bringing scraps from home and adding them to the Worm Watcher."
