Worms Eat Our Garbage: Classroom Activities for a Better Environment

Worms Eat Our Garbage: Classroom Activities for a Better Environment curriculum uses over 150 worm-related classroom or home activities to develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills in children grades 4-8. Rich content in "Wormformation" paragraphs integrates science, mathematics, language arts, biology, solid waste issues, ecology, and the environment in ways that draw children into the learning process. Three sections include "The World of Worms," "Worms at Work," and "Beyond the Bin."

Mary Appelhof was recognized as an international authority and lecturer on small-scale vermicomposting. As owner of Flowerfield Enterprises and Flower Press, she dedicated over 20 years to the research, development, and marketing of products related to the earthworm, such as the Worm-a-way worm bin for which she held both Canadian and USA patents. Mary received many honors including a National Science Foundation grant, was an invited speaker at the Global Assembly of Women and the Environment, and received special merit recognition as one of Renew America's Environmental Success Stories. Mary also coordinated the international research conference workshop on the Role of Earthworms in the Stablization of Organic Residues and compiled its proceedings. An award-winning photographer, she held master's degrees in education and biological sciences, and taught high school biology. Mary passed away in 2005.