Bees: pollination, habitats and conservation

Project

A teaching resource featuring month by month editable PowerPoint slides with information and learning activities about bees and other pollinators

  • Estimated time: 45 minutes
  • Location: Outdoors & Indoors
  • School term: All year round
  • Level of experience: No experience needed
  • Subject(s): English, Science

Learning objectives

  • Identify a range of bees and their habitats
  • Describe the life cycle of a bumblebee
  • Understand pollination’s role in plant reproduction and food production
  • Understand the risks posed to bees by environmental change
  • Know the part we can play in protecting bees 






August

Learning focus: what is a pollinator?
Activity: look for pollinating insects

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September

Learning focus: what is pollination? 
Activity: find out some fantastic bee facts and look for pollen in flowers

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October

Learning focus: why do bees need pollen?
Activity: look for bees carrying pollen

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November

Learning focus: what happens to bees in winter?
Activity: look for winter bee habitats

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December

Learning focus: how many types of bees live in the UK?
Activity: information video and quiz

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January

Learning focus: how do bees help provide our food?
Activity: collage

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February

Learning focus: what is the life cycle of a bumblebee?
Activity: protect spring flowers for waking queen bumblebees

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March

Learning focus: what is the June pollen gap?
Activity: sow seeds to help bees in June

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April

Learning focus: what are bee corridors?
Activity: plant a bee corridor

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May

Learning focus: why do different types of bee feed on differently shaped flowers?
Activity: spot different flower shapes

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June

Learning focus: why do bee numbers matter?
Activity: information video and quiz

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July

Learning focus: how are bees affected by environmental change?
Activity: make a plan to help bees

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Hints & tips

  • This resource focusses on bees but includes information about other pollinators, including moths, flies and beetles.
  • The slides are editable so you can combine them and customise them for your lessons.
  • Remind pupils just to look and not to touch when observing pollinating insects.
  • Don't forget to share your learning with us on social media using #RHSSchoolGardening.