Integrate Bees into the Curriculum - Bee Friendly Schools

1.

Link with a BBKA association and ask a beekeeper to give the children a talk about bees.  It may be possible for the beekeeper to bring samples of honey, comb and propolis as well as an observation hive (depending on circumstances).

2.

Plant bee friendly Spring bulbs and corms such as snowdrops, aconites and crocus in plant pots or a garden area.  See our Gardening for Bees page and our Planting for Bees blog for further useful information.

3.

If possible think about developing an area with shrubs and perennials to attract pollinators.

4.

Make bee and bug hotels either for school or home.  Click here for a 'how to' guide.

5.

Differentiate between bumble bees, solitary bees, honeybees, wasps and hornets.  See our What bee is this? page for further useful information.

6.

Introduce other pollinators such as beetles, hoverflies, moths and butterflies into the curriculum.

7.

Make rolled candles from beeswax – click here for a 'how to' guide.

8.

Try using honey when making biscuits, cakes and drinks instead of sugar - our honey recipes page has some suggestions for you to try.

9.

Children could imagine they were a honeybee worker, drone or queen and describe what they do and their life cycle.

10.

Write some poems or a concrete poem about bees.

11.

Be creative and make a 3D model of a bee.

12.

Investigate the different uses of beeswax; the shiny part of Gummy Bears is made of beeswax!

13.

Use a uv light and investigate which parts of flowers have guidelines for bees to follow.

14.

Take plants apart and look for the nectaries and stamens. Make a note of the different colours of pollen from different plants.

15.

Make your own mini beasts – paint stones, use wool etc.

16.

Create a designer pollinator explaining its essential features and how it works with the flowers.

17.

Photograph bees and insects on plants at different times of the year.

18.

Find out about the threats to bees and pollinators.

19.

Create a honey bee lifecycle book and learn about the different stages of honey bee development; from egg to larva and from pupa to adult.