Bee Program

Step 1: Build a Buzzworthy Foundation

Every Bee Program, like the hive, needs a strong foundation. We recommend beginning your bee journey with our adaptable lesson plans, activities, and curriculum – no hive needed.

Don’t know where to begin? Start your journey with the 6 Week Bee Unit.

Other great resources include:

• The Bee Cause Project’s Literature Circle teacher’s guide, Monthly Bee Calendar and Journal Prompts, and much more on their website.
• Whole Kids Foundation Bee Activities and Resources

Learn more during our previous Bee resources webinar - Recording here!

STEP 2: GROW YOUR BEE CLUB

No bee operates alone! A Bee Club provides structure to build support among your student and educator community, and to create an environment for those who want to learn more about bees! Bee Clubs are also known to develop habitat on campus, share buzzworthy updates at home, and learn how to develop beekeeping skills together. No live bees required!

See the “How to Build a Bee Club” guide for more details.

Learn more during our previous Bee Club webinar - Recording here!

STEP 3: CONNECT WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

It takes a hive! Connect with your community members such as 4-H agents, local beekeeper association members, and farmers for in-person visits and field trips. Their unique pollinator experiences add to how we are all connected by the bees. These opportunities are an excellent way to weave your larger parent and educator communities in to better understand this program.

Plus a core component of applying for a beehive grant (see Step 4) is to have the involvement of a “Bee Mentor” or an experienced bee keeper who can support your hive in some way. Check out the Bee Mentor overview to understand what this looks like.

Learn more during our Community Engagement webinar - Recording here!

STEP 4: EXPANDING YOUR IMPRINT

Every hive needs a healthy habitat! Whether your Bee Club can improve campus conditions or work at a local garden, library, or park system, this is the time to apply what we’ve learned about helping the bees succeed! The “Bee a Friend to Pollinators” lesson plan is a great place to start as a class or Bee Club for establishing habitat.

Learn more from our Q & A with author Shabazz Larkin - Recording here!

STEP 5: WELCOME LIVE BEES!

Welcome live bees, part-time bees, or implement visits to a local apiary! Check out our grant program for support in setting up your hive program. Currently we are excepting renewal grant applications from past recipients and will provide support to brand new programs starting up again in 2021!