[srvfantexasflood]

Riverrat's post "neat happening with a bee" got me to thinking. I work with children and had been planning to do some bee education this summer. I would like to solicit this forum's input on interesting things I should tell the kid's. My first "fact" is going to be the European origins of the honey bee and how it got to this country. If you have any ideas about interesting trivia, facts or old wive's tales I should pass on I would appreciate hearing from you.

 

[indypartridge]

Much is age-dependent, but most kids like "hands on" and visual demonstrations. If you construct an empty (no bees) hive, you can show the parts of a hive; pass around a frame of drawn comb; a hive tool; smoker; let them try on a helmet & veil, etc.

And don't forget the honey tasting!

 

[Iddee]

This is a great teaching aid.

http://www.brushymountainbeefarm.com/Te ... info/291F/

A few drones in a jar will also get their attention.

 

[G3farms]

I found that an observation hive will hold their attention for quite some time. Be sure to put a queen in there and they will hunt her down like "where's waldo".

G3

 

[Iddee]

If you use an ob hive, be SURE it is plexiglass and not glass.

 

[Charles]

Hands on is the way to go, last time we got to visit the firehouse my 4 year old got to wear one of their helmets and it was the highlight of the trip for him.

Covering the difference between honey bees and wasps/hornets may be helpful to them (depending on their age)

 

[riverrat]

If you was entertaining me bring your steve Ray vaughn CD's. I would be kept entertained for hours. But if your talking to kids about bees keep it simple and interesting and hands on. Kids tend to have a very short attention span........... "ITS RAININ DOWN IN TEXAS ALL THE TELEPHONE LINES ARE DOWN.".......... Observation hives are good and interesting but make sure they are bullet proof and escape proof if a kid was to get stun even if it isnt one of your bees could open the door to trouble............" IF THIS HOUSE IS A ROCKIN DONT BOTHER KNOCKIN JUST COME ON IN".............. Kids I have found enjoy looking at the inner parts of bee hives frames wax foundation, drawn comb, etc,............ "HEY HEY HEY MAMA LOOK AT LITTLE SIS OUT IN THE BACKYARD"........ Dont forget the honey sticks. reading the post I guess I have A.D. D. and a short attention span myself. SRV its your user name I tell ya. "SHE'S MY SWEET LITTLE BABY MY PRIDE AND JOY........" I got to go

 

[srvfantexasflood]

reading the post I guess I have A.D. D. and a short attention span myself. SRV its your user name I tell ya. "SHE'S MY SWEET LITTLE BABY MY PRIDE AND JOY........" I got to go

"AND THAT'S A COLD SHOT BABY. YEAH THAT'S A DRAG." :lol: