OVERVIEW: The focus of our fourth grade multi-year study is on the decline of bee populations and what we, at Big Shanty can do to help revive those populations. We have organized a multi-year long project-based learning unit that will allow students to research the problem to better understand it. Then research solutions to the problem and ways to implement a solution that leads to students designing and creating a bee sanctuary on campus. Our ultimate goal is to reach beyond our school and involve others in the community and beyond.
TIMELINE 2017-2018
AUGUST 2017
Fourth Grade read The Buzz on Bee, Why Are They Disappearing? and Honeybees Are Vanishing. Student discussions focused on the decline in bee populations, reasons why this may be happening, and implications this problem could have on our food production. Then, students did a hands-on pollination activity to learn how bees pollinate.
Fourth Grade read The Buzz on Bee, Why Are They Disappearing? and Honeybees Are Vanishing. Student discussions focused on the decline in bee populations, reasons why this may be happening, and implications this problem could have on our food production. Then, students did a hands-on pollination activity to learn how bees pollinate.
SEPTEMBER 2017
Fourth Grade students learned about honeybees from Mr. Pete Nelson, an expert beekeeper's presentation to the entire fourth grade. Students asked lots of great questions and enjoyed trying on beekeeper suits and passing around items beekeepers use. Fourth grade teachers also sparked enthusiasm with their parody song, "Its All About the Bees."
Fourth Grade students learned about honeybees from Mr. Pete Nelson, an expert beekeeper's presentation to the entire fourth grade. Students asked lots of great questions and enjoyed trying on beekeeper suits and passing around items beekeepers use. Fourth grade teachers also sparked enthusiasm with their parody song, "Its All About the Bees."
OCTOBER 2017
In groups, students researched six types of bees found in Georgia using the online Destiny Collection, "Thrive in the Hive: Bees" and nonfiction books. Students filled out a decision making chart based on each group’s research. Then, students voted on which bee they thought would make the best pollinator for Big Shanty.
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017
In ELA classes, students wrote persuasive letter to Home Depot and Lowes asking for donations for the “BEE GARDENS” fourth grade plans to create in the Spring of 2018.
In ELA classes, students wrote persuasive letter to Home Depot and Lowes asking for donations for the “BEE GARDENS” fourth grade plans to create in the Spring of 2018.
JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2018
Students researched plants that attract their pollinator using both print and online resources in the Destiny Collection, "Thrive in the Hive: Gardens". Students filled out graphic organizers with the information they gathered.
Mason Bee
Students researched plants that attract their pollinator using both print and online resources in the Destiny Collection, "Thrive in the Hive: Gardens". Students filled out graphic organizers with the information they gathered.
Mason Bee
- Lavender
- Shasta Daisies
- Blueberries
- Wild Blue Indigo
- Aster
- Black-Eyed Susan’s (Coneflowers)
- Blueberries
- Oak Leaf Hydrangea
MARCH 2018
- Students Skyped with Dr. Jennifer Kraft Leavey, Director, Georgia Tech Urban Honeybee Project, to gain a deeper understanding of how to support local Bee populations.
- Students will plant seeds in individual containers to so that plants can be transplanted into the “Bee Gardens” in April.
- Mr. Horner, Manager, and Ms. Susan of Home Depot were so impressed with the persuasive letters they received. So, on March 30 they presented "Hydroponic Gardening" to the entire grade level! He also donated a terrarium, grow lights, and more! Thank you, Mr. Horner and Home Depot!
APRIL 2018
- With the help of the community on Comcast Cares Day (April 28, 2018), fourth graders planted organic “Bee Gardens” -- free of neonicotinoids. From the skype session with Dr. Leavey students learned that seeds treated with these insecticides pose a serious danger to bees. In addition, students and community members with setup water stations and bee hotels for our pollinators.
MAY 2018
- At the school's Garden Gala 2018 fourth grade students sang the song, "Bringing Bees Back" and did an informational presentation for the community explaining the importance of bees to our food supply and what can be done to help support local bee populations. They also conducted tours of the gardens.
- The gardens were proudly registered with Pollinator Partnership's Million Pollinator Garden Challenge as they met the criteria (organic, provide water, and shelter for bees).