Buzzing a Hive

Grades K—3

Written by Jean C. Echols

Quote E.O. Wilson, Virgil, or Pooh; the honeybee figures in loving tributes across the eras—and rightly so.

Studying this beautiful, beneficial social insect could absorb the rest of our lives—if only there were time. In this extensive and fascinating unit, young students get a good introduction to the honeybee's extravagant communication system and intricate behavior, and an appreciation for our interdependence with these and all insects. In a series of guided-discovery activities that build on one another, the children make paper bees to learn about bee body structure; act as bees in a beehive drama, taking the parts of guard bees and other role-players in the hive; perform bee dances to learn how bees communicate directions; and learn about bee predators and honey robbers. Detailed posters of bee anatomy and life stages are included in the guide, and a bee mural captures each elements of the unit as it comes into play.

Live bees are not a part of this unit, but taking a field trip to a local beekeeper is a great way to expand the experience.

See the online orientation video.

Time: Six 60-minute sessions, one 15-minute session, two 20-minute sessions.

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