Future leaders, make your voice heard about the world you want to live in by filling out this 5-min survey!

How Can We Make Better Food for Honeybees?

Provided by: Science Journal for Kids|Published on: May 13, 2026

Scientific Reports

6789

Synopsis

This article describes a research study in which scientists genetically engineered yeast to produce sterols — essential nutrients missing from commercial honeybee food substitutes — and tested whether this improved food could support healthy honeybee colony development.
The article includes an audio version, a worksheet, a teacher's key, and links to related resources.

Subjects: Biology

Authors: Science Journal for Kids

Region: Global

Languages: English

Prerequisites:

Ensure students understand how human activities and climate change have contributed to the reduction in flowering plants.
Activate prior knowledge by asking students why pollinators matter to food systems and what they think happens when bees cannot get proper nutrition.

Preparation:

Note that teachers will need to provide some information, such as email and school, to access the Teacher's Key.

Classroom Implementation:

Prep this as a ready-to-go substitute activity for students to read with a partner or as a class and answer the included question.
Use this in conjunction with a lesson about the importance of pollinators and the threats they face. Consider using this lesson.

Extensions: