Teacher Reference Books
Appelhof, Mary, Worms Eat My Garbage, Flower Press, 1982.
Provides information on setting up and maintaining worm composting systems.

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.

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Teacher Reference Websites
WormWoman
www.wormwoman.com
This web site provides detailed information on vermicomposting. What is it, how to start, and the benefits of using earthworms for composting are discussed.

The Yuckiest Site on the Internet
http://yucky.kids.discovery.com
This is a wonderful site! It provides kids with background information on earthworms and their job in recycling organic wastes. It also introduces children to five different worm species and their role in the environment.

The Compost Resource Page
www.oldgrowth.org/compost
Basic information on earthworms and vermicomposting is provided.

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Student Reference Books
Glaser, Linda, Wonderful Worms, Millbrook Press, Connecticut, 1992.
Describes the physical characteristics, behavior and life cycle of common earthworms.

Henwood, Chris, Earthworms, Franklin Watts, New York, 1988.
Provides basic information on earthworms; body descriptions, building a terrarium and worm reproduction.

Lavies, Bianca, Compost Critters, Dutton Children's Books, New York, 1993.
Describes what happens in a compost pile and how creatures aid in the process of breaking compost into humus

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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