The Bee A Community Project tackled their concerns about the loss of bees. They worked to provide habitats for mason bees, to promote goodwill and understanding about bees within their community, and to share information and habitat creations to the community outside of the school.
"We can make a difference."
- Student Reflection
Learning about the Decline of Honey Bees
During the FEEL stage, students learned from community member experts regarding the life and impact of a variety of factors in the environment. They researched the multi-faceted issues, specifically, surrounding the decline of honey bees and the consequences that their decline has on the environment, the ecosystem and on human life.
Narrowing Their Focus to Bee Larvae Shelters
Students considered a number of responses to the decline of honey bees and the researched the challenge as well as solutions. They narrowed their focus locally – on their school community. After researching, discussing and evaluating ideas such as building hives at the school and supporting local bee-keeping, students decided to create mason bee larvae tube shelters reusing recycled materials.
Building and Setting Up Bee Larvae Shelters
During the DO stage, students analyzed their action plan at each step. They researched the process, the impact and, of course, the materials necessary to build their larvae shelters. Then they strategically planned to seek donations and collaborate with other non-profits to effectively gather the tools and materials necessary. For instance, to gather cans for the shelters, students hosted a can food drive for a local organization and the empty cans were re-donated to them to build the shelters. After collecting additional donations for their supplies, students created their mason bee larvae shelters using cinder blocks, cement, wood, food cans, paint, screws and L brackets. The shelters were then placed outside of the school building.
Expanding the Work
The students shared their work with their classmates, teachers, friends, families and other community members. As a result, students are now preparing shelters for teachers, churches and community members. They are also extending their work by creating a 3D model of a varroa mite as well as a geodimensional varroa mite.
