Along with traditional barrel composting, students at Point Dume Marine Science Elementary School have used vermicomposting to make their own worm castings, creating a rich, nutritious homemade compost. In this photo, fourth-grader Lars Peterson (left) and fifth-grader Alex Day demonstrate a vermicomposter. Students add newspaper along with fruits and vegetables to the top tray. The worms eat the produce and paper, and as the castings slowly filter down to the bottom tray, compost is formed. The process can take from three to six months. Students are beginning to use castings from vermicompost that was started in September to fertilize their new winter crops.