One of the first things young children learn about bees is that they can sting, and the stinging hurts. This early knowledge often prompts a fear of stinging insects that causes kids to wonder why they exist in the first place. Although bees can be a little intimidating, they are incredibly beneficial for our ecosystem. With these fun hands-on activities, little ones can learn to appreciate the amazing work bees do and help to take care of the world around them.
Show How Pollination Works
To demonstrate the pollination process, you can do an easy project for preschoolers and grade-school children. Have them take a popsicle stick and wrap a black pipe cleaner around it as the bee’s feet. Let them color the stick with eyes, wings, and even a stinger. Create a station with several sheets of paper in flower shapes. Place a small amount of different colored powders on these flowers, such as flour, mac and cheese powder, or cocoa powder. Encourage them to dip the feet in the powder and move the “bee” from flower to flower. They will see how the bees are able to pollinate the plants around them.
Create a Bee Bath
Bees need a drink of water every now and then, just like we do. They are more likely to drown when trying to drink from a shallow bowl, but you can make it easy and safe. To make a bee bath, place a shallow pan in a sunny spot and put small, flat rocks inside. Once the pan is full to the brim with the rocks, fill it up with water. The bees can rest on the rocks and drink safely. Be sure to change the water regularly.
Demonstrate the Importance of Nectar
To depict the collection of nectar, have children use droppers to move water from a bowl to an ice cube tray elsewhere in the room. Once the frenzy is done, put all the “nectar” together to demonstrate how bees work together for the good of the hive. Show how this collection of nectar eventually makes enough for the bees to eat and also for human use. Explain the process of turning nectar into products like raw Tupelo honey for sale, so that children can appreciate the work when they eat their next honey-sweetened treat.
Build a Pollinator Garden
One of the best ways to ensure a love of bees is to build a pollinator garden. With these tips, you can create one that promotes years of delight and educational opportunities.
Choose local plants and flowers — Local bees prefer local plants and flowers, and for good reason. They are all part of the same ecosystem. Look for your local agricultural extension or native plant supplier for ideas. Although you can certainly have nonnative plants in your garden, be sure to include at least a few local options. You’ll have an easier time growing and maintaining local flora, because they are used to the climate.
Plant the garden — Once you have the seeds or plants in hand, it is time to build the garden. Choose a well-draining soil mix or create one yourself. You don’t need a whole plot of land. If you only have a balcony or a small patio, a series of pots will do nicely. Plant the seeds at the appropriate time for your growing zone, and be sure to irrigate regularly. When the young seedlings start to sprout, pay attention to pests.
Avoid pesticides — Although many people use pesticides to keep their gardens looking fresh and green, these substances can often kill bees and other pollinators. Prepare to do some manual work to remove pests like grasshoppers, or plant companion plants that distract harmful insects. If you must use pesticides, be sure to research options that are safe for bees and other pollinators.
Getting children excited about bees may seem difficult, but it can be pretty easy (and fun). Teach them all about how the bees work to maintain our ecosystem and help them participate in building a pollinator garden. You will have a group of seasoned bee-caretakers in no time.
Author bio: Tim Haratine, President of Built by Bees, launched the company in 2015 on a napkin. He outlined basic principles that would guide the artisan honey purveyor, including a commitment first to customers and employees, offering exceptional products at an excellent value and respecting hard work while delivering on promises. Built by Bees offers products using organic or kosher ingredients that are non-GMO and free from additives and preservatives. The company has won dozens of national culinary awards.
SOURCES:
https://www.fws.gov/initiative/pollinators/how-you-can-help
https://www.plt.org/educator-tips/pollinator-activities-preschool
