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General Outline of Bees & Bugs Lab Visit (K-12)
Honeybee & Pollinators Presentation (40 minutes). Students observe live, working honeybee colonies in our active observation hive. The Tour Guide will teach students about the amazing biology of the hive, and students will have an opportunity to find the queen bee, eggs, larva, pupa, drones and worker bees living within the hive. The lesson then becomes hands-on and students learn about beekeeping principles and can handle beekeeping equipment from a real (bee-free!) commercial hive. Students will learn about healthy bee products and even taste the different varieties of pure natural honey. The remainder of the presentation is tailored to a topic chosen by the teacher (see below).
Beekeeping Demonstration (15 minutes). Now, it is time to see an actual, live commercial colony of bees! Outside, students enter our safe, covered observation area to watch a beekeeper handle a live colony just steps away. The beekeeper will point out various aspects of the hive, honeybees and beekeeping. Everyone will be amazed at the truly gentle and social behaviour of these tiny insects. [Note: The beekeeping demonstration is weather permitting]
Bug Presentation (30 minutes). Students are seated in our bug lab and receive a presentation about some of the bugs living in the “Bug Room”, on the topic chosen by the teacher (see below)
Independent Exercise in the “Bug Room” (25 minutes). Your class becomes Junior Entomologists, complete with lab coats and clip boards, and complete an independent exercise in the bug observation room. Students observe the bugs in their habitats and record ‘data’ on observation sheets, just like scientists. The Tour Guide will assist your class with their observation worksheets, which are age and learning level appropriate. There are additional games, puzzles, books, activities and worksheets to challenge students of all learning levels.
Wrap up (10 minutes). We seat the students back in the presentation area and students have an opportunity to ask additional questions. At the end of the program, each child will receive a free honeystick.
General Outline of Bees & Bugs Lab Visit (Pre-school)
Honeybee & Pollinators Presentation (20 minutes). Students observe live, working honeybee colonies in our active observation hive. The Tour Guide will teach students about the amazing biology of the hive, and students will have an opportunity to find the queen bee, eggs, larva, pupa, drones and worker bees living within the hive. Students will spin an extractor, handle real beekeeping equipment, touch propolis and beeswax, and ask our bee experts all of their buzzing questions. Students will learn about healthy bee products and even taste different varieties of pure natural honey.
Beekeeping Demonstration (10 minutes). Now it's time to see an actual, live commercial colony of bees! Outside, students enter our safe, covered observation area to watch a beekeeper handle a live colony just steps away. The beekeeper will point out various aspects of the hive, honeybees and beekeeping. Everyone will be amazed at the truly gentle and social behaviour of these tiny insects. [Note: The beekeeping demonstration is weather permitting; in case of poor weather, students will be invited to create a personalized bee-antenna headband craft to bring home!)
Bug Presentation (15 minutes). Students are seated in our bug lab and receive a presentation about some of the bugs living in the “Bug Room”, on the topic chosen by the teacher (see below).
Independent Exercise in “Bug Room” (15 minutes). Your class becomes Junior Entomologists, complete with lab coats and clip boards, and complete an independent exercise in the bug observation room. Students observe the bugs in their habitats and record ‘data’ on observation sheets, just like scientists. The Tour Guide will assist your class with their observation worksheets. Worksheets are age and learning level appropriate. There are additional games, puzzles, books, activities and worksheets to challenge students of all learning levels.
Wrap up. At the end of the program, each child will receive a free honeystick.
Our On-the-Road Outreach Program
Honeybee Centre’s new Bees & Bugs Lab offers exciting Outreach program for schools, preschools, community centres and nature centres. This unique experience will introduce your group to the fascinating world of the honeybee and emphasize the importance insects and their relatives have in our environment. Participants learn age appropriate lessons, which are interactive, and they will see and have an opportunity to hold live bugs. Our goal is a fun and educational experience for all.
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