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Charles Darwin said it best: "It may be doubted whether there are many other animals which have played so important a part in the history of the world as these lowly organized creatures" (1881). Of course, Darwin was referring to the earthworm and its ability to process material through its gut to form rich soil. In this context, this grant award was used to purchase a mid-scale vermicomposting apparatus and a suite of electronic sensors so students could participate first-hand in the fascinating science of compost.

From the chemistry of nutrient cycling and the biology of earthworm population dynamics to the logistics and economics of creating a useful product from waste, students worked on this all-year project which resulted in the processing of one ton of food waste and the establishment of a school organic garden. The waste recycling program and the school garden are active today. Students sell and distribute compost and “worm tea” to school district customers whereby proceeds are used to restock composting materials and gardening supplies.