Larson, Gary, There's A Hair In My Dirt!, Harper Perennial, New York, 1998.
This book provides a hilarious look at a maiden's view of the surrounding forest and the recycler's role in the habitat through the eyes of Father Worm. The book is not suitable for children but an excellent resource for teachers.

McLaughlin, Molly, Earthworms, Dirt, and Rotten Leaves, Macmillian Publishing Co., New York, 1986.
Examines the earthworm and its environment, also includes experiments.

Glaser, Linda, Compost, Millbrook Press, Connecticut, 1996
The book describes, from a child's perspective, what composting is, what it does, and how to go about it.

Handelsman, Judith F., Gardens From Garbage ,Millbrook Press, Connecticut, 1993
Instructions are provided for growing indoor gardens using kitchen scraps.

Pascoe, Elaine, Slime Molds and Fungi, Blackbirch Press, Connecticut, 1999
Experiments are used to explore and explain characteristics of different types of fungi.

Ring, Elizabeth, What Rot! Nature's Mighty Recycler, Millbrook Press, Connecticut, 1996
This book provides details on how rot and all the tiny organisms that cause it maintain the cycle of life.

Silverstein, Dr. Alvin, Virginia, and Robert, Fungi, Twenty-First Century Books, New York, 1996
Fungi varieties, characteristics, and role in the ecosystem are introduced.

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Curricula
Aquatic Project WILD
Aquatic Project WILD is an interdisciplinary curriculum for K-12 teachers on aquatic wildlife and ecosystems. The activities cover a broad range of environmental and conservation topics. For information on signing up for workshops, call the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources at (803) 734-3814.

For more information click on:
www.dnr.state.sc.us/cec/educate/edu1.html#teacher

Project WILD
Project WILD is an interdisciplinary curriculum for K-12 teachers on a broad range of environmental and conservation topics. For information on signing up for workshops, call the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources at (803) 734-3814.

For more information click on:
www.dnr.state.sc.us/cec/educate/edu1.html#teacher

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Field Trip Sites
Decomposers
Decomposers play a vital role in any wildlife community by breaking down dead organisms and waste material and by returning nutrients to the soil. The blackwater swamp is one of the best habitats to visit where the effects of decomposition are visible. The reddish black coloration of the water in a blackwater swamp is caused by the decomposition of leaves in the water. As the leaves decompose, they release tannins, which stain the water black. Below are listed sites where blackwater swamps and rivers are easily accessible for school groups.

• Francis Biedler Forest
  Located near Harleyville, Francis Biedler Forest is the last remaining stand of virgin bald cypress trees and tupelo gum in the world. It gives students the opportunity to see a pristine blackwater swamp habitat. The forest is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday and offers interpretive environmental education programs. For more information call (843) 462-2150 or click on www.pride-net.com/swamp/.
  
  
• Cypress Gardens
  Cypress Gardens is a preserved blackwater swamp habitat located between Goose Creek and Moncks Corner. Trails, boats, a butterfly garden and freshwater aquariums can all be found here. The garden is opened seven days a week and offers environmental education programs for school groups. For more information call (843) 553-0515.
  
  
• Little Pee Dee River Heritage Preserve
  This preserve, located between Conway and Florence, protects 9000 acres of forestland, blackwater river and oxbow lakes. Though the preserve does not offer any education programs, it is open to school groups seven days a week. For more information call (803) 734-3893.

If you are aware of other books, videos, websites, curricula, fieldtrip destinations or other materials that would make excellent resources for this activity, please e-mail them to us for inclusion in this list at: Education@scaquarium.org