You can compost right in your classroom! Indoor composting (also known as vermicomposting, or worm composting) is a fun gardening activity that requires minimal supplies, and can be done any time of year.

First buy a 18 quart plastic container with a lid. The size is important - anything larger than that will be getting too heavy for kids to pick up. Then drill several 1/4 inch holes on the sides, top, and bottom of the container (about 10 holes for each side). Now you are ready to fill your bin! Click here for complete worm composting instructions, tips, and tricks.

Try compost expert and science teacher Howard Johnson's recipe for vermicomposting:

4 - parts shredded newspaper (moistened)
2 - parts peat moss
2 - parts sawdust (we obtain this from our tech ed people)
1 - part regular soil
1 - part coffee grounds
200 - red wigglers (Eisenia foetida)
Mix well together and make sure contents are moist. This should fill approximately 6"-8" of material to base of the 18 quart container.

For a fun and easy twist on this activity, check out Make a Worm Farm.