Protecting Bees: An Interdisciplinary Lesson
Lesson Plan
2 hours 40 minutesGradesK, 1, 2Science, Mathematics
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Written by Ghislaine Fandel, Lisa Greenwood
About this lesson
Students learn about the importance of bees and how humans can impact their survival.
Inquire: Students watch a video to learn about the mason bee and work together to match new vocabulary words about bees.
Investigate: Students read about the importance of bees and the threats they face.
Inspire: Students solve story math problems, create a mason bee house, and use vocabulary words to write a “Grand Opening” sign inviting local bees to stay.
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Everything you need to teach it
- Teacher SlideshowOpen
- Student DocumentOpen
- Student ReadingOpen
- Teacher Answer KeyOpen
- Vocabulary CardsOpen
Teaching tips
Suggestions
- This lesson encourages collaboration between students to develop their understanding of the importance of bees.
- This lesson encourages students to be both creative and observant by combining science, math, and art practices.
- This lesson can be used in science when learning about the natural world and in math when practicing addition and subtraction.
- The Inspire section can be completed on a separate day or the activities can be completed in different class periods with the math problems in math class and the “Grand Opening” sign in a writing section.
Additional Prerequisites
- Specific materials are necessary to make the mason bee hotel. Each group will need a tin can, scrap paper, a pencil, tape, two toilet paper rolls, and liquid glue. Gather sufficient materials before teaching the lesson.
- Some students may be allergic to bees. If this is the case, it may be best that the bee hotel not be placed near the classroom.
- The Vocabulary Cards can be printed so that each student has access to every term and definition.
- Print the What Is a Bee? Writing Pages (2/student; front and back), Vocabulary Game Cards, and Bee Math Worksheets before teaching the lesson.
- Teachers may choose to print the Student Reading for students to follow along. See booklet printing directions in the Student Reading document.
Differentiation
- Watch the video Build a Beehouse! at 0.75 playback speed by clicking on Settings →Playback Speed. This will allow emerging bilingual students and younger students to catch more interesting bee facts!
- Writing activities are differentiated with optional sentence frames.
- Vocabulary Game Cards with pictures are available for students who are new-to-print or beginning readers.
- The Bee Math activity is differentiated for students with different proficiencies in addition and subtraction; choose the level that best fits your students’ needs.
- Younger students can use counters or beans in the math activity to visualize the bees being added and subtracted.
- Although the video makes it easier to visualize the steps, the beehouse can be made by just following the instructions in the Student Document.
- As an extension, older students can investigate how their city or town's actions impact local bee populations positively or negatively.
From the scientist review
Learners can create projects that will protect bees in their neighborhood and gain knowledge about bees and their special functions in pollinating plants. The lesson passed our review for science credibility after a careful examination of all the contents.
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About the teacher writers
Ghislaine Fandel
Ghislaine was the former Science Communication Lead and Content Director at ClimateScience, an educational charity focused on climate solutions. She co-led products such as courses, quizzes, school activities, children’s books, and more, intended to make climate education accessible for all and inspire the new generation of climate leaders. Ghislaine has experience in climate activism in her hometown of Miami, Florida, calling for an equitable and just transition away from fossil fuels. She also works as a writer for Thred Media, covering the climate crisis and Big Oil.
Lisa Greenwood
K-2 Teacher
Lisa Greenwood holds a Master's Degree in Childhood Education from CUNY Hunter College. She has nine years of experience teaching all subjects, including STEM, for grades K–5. Lisa holds New York State Professional Certificates in Childhood Education and Special Education.
