Final report for YENC24-210
Project Information
We will underscore the vital role of local honey bees and native pollinators in the global food system. By utilizing locally captured honey bee swarms in our curriculum, we aim to promote the value of native pollinators, renowned for their superior adaptation and survival, and teach how local hone bee health is tied to more efficient pollination and enhanced crop production. Our programs will showcase sustainable beekeeping practices that require minimal human intervention and reduce dependence on chemical treatments. By doing so, we intend to cultivate a new generation of eco-conscious agricultural stewards, contributing to a sustainable and resilient future.
Conduct Summer Camp: Immerse 20 students in a week-long summer camp, exploring local pollinator species' roles in ecosystems and crop pollination.
School Group Presentations: Deliver BEEing Aware to 20 school groups in 2024, educating 200-400 students on pollinator characteristics and sustainable bee production practices.
Outreach Event: Host Super Science Saturday in August 2024, reaching 30-50 attendees to highlight pollinators' importance in agriculture and sustainable careers.
Monarch Tagging: Engage 100 Aurora 3rd graders in hands-on Monarch tagging, fostering habitat awareness and pollinator stewardship.
Educational & Outreach Activities
Participation Summary:
As part of the BEEing Aware SARE Grant, we conducted multiple educational activities to engage students in pollinator awareness and sustainable agriculture.
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Monarch Tagging: Deb and I(John) led a hands-on Monarch tagging session, demonstrating the importance of pollinators in ecosystems and agricultural sustainability. After the classroom portion, students were bused to our local restored prairie where students actively participated in identifying and tagging Monarch butterflies while learning about migration patterns and conservation efforts. Each student was given a net to try and catch any monarch that they see. testing their spotting skill and ability to catch a moving target. When any monarch is netted we tag them as a group and then release them to go back to feeding and migrating. Deb reports all the tag numbers at the end to Monarch Watch Org.
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Edgerton Summer Vet Camp Presentation: I (John) presented to students about beekeeping, focusing on safety protocols and necessary protective equipment (veil, hat, suit, gloves). I shared a personal experience of being stung and requiring emergency care, reinforcing the importance of preparation and caution in beekeeping. Inside the classroom, I showed students beekeeping equipment, including frames, swarm traps, and beeswax, explaining their roles in hive management. The session concluded with an outdoor hive observation, allowing students to see an active beehive from a safe distance while discussing bee behavior and their role in pollination.
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We also had planned a summer camp about pollinators however we only had one camper sign up. This was disappointing to see so we were not able to offer the camp. We had a few discussions about the camps that did not fill (this happens each year), we did feel that honey bees might be to "scary" of a subject area that most elementary age kids are not willing to take a chance on. Going forward when offering opportunities with honey bees we will work hard to stress the safety of the camp.
Learning Outcomes
Learned about Monarch butterfly migration patterns and the role of tagging in conservation research.
Understood the ecological importance of Monarchs and their connection to agricultural landscapes.
Developed an appreciation for habitat preservation and the role of pollinators in food production.
Gained an understanding of beekeeping safety procedures and protective equipment.
Learned about the structure and function of hive components, including frames, swarm traps, and beeswax.
Observed an active beehive from a safe distance, recognizing key bee behaviors and their contributions to pollination.
Discussed sustainable beekeeping practices and the importance of pollinator health in agriculture.
Provided hands-on experiences that reinforced the importance of pollinators and sustainable land management.
Encouraged students to think about sustainable agriculture careers and conservation efforts in their own communities.
Increased awareness of pollinators' critical role in maintaining biodiversity and food production.
The BEEing Aware program successfully engaged students in hands-on learning experiences that deepened their understanding of pollinators and sustainable agriculture. Through Monarch tagging, students explored the life cycle and migration of Monarch butterflies, understanding the importance of habitat conservation in supporting their populations. They connected this knowledge to broader agricultural ecosystems, recognizing the role of pollinators in food production. By physically handling and tagging Monarchs, students developed a sense of stewardship and appreciation for conservation efforts.
At the Edgerton Summer Vet Camp, students were introduced to beekeeping practices, safety procedures, and hive management. They learned about essential beekeeping equipment, including veils, suits, and gloves, and discussed the importance of staying safe while working with bees. John shared a personal experience of a bee sting incident requiring an ER visit, reinforcing the importance of proper precautions. Inside the classroom, students examined frames, swarm traps, and beeswax, gaining insight into hive structure and how bees contribute to sustainable agriculture.
Observing an active beehive from a safe distance further enhanced their understanding of bee behavior and hive dynamics. Students learned how bees pollinate crops and maintain biodiversity, emphasizing the significance of sustainable beekeeping practices. These experiences encouraged students to think critically about the role of pollinators in agriculture and the steps they can take to support healthy pollinator populations.
Overall, the program fostered a deeper appreciation for pollinators and conservation efforts. By combining interactive demonstrations with real-world applications, BEEing Aware successfully inspired students to consider sustainable agriculture practices in their own communities. Future outreach will build on this foundation, expanding education efforts and encouraging further involvement in pollinator conservation.