Benjamin Logan Elementary students have taken short, guided walking trips to the district’s land lab this fall to research animals and learn how the species’ physical attributes help them to meet their needs.
The pupils have enjoyed the natural environment while they observe and ask questions
Fourth-graders and second-graders recently visited the outdoor space to check on the health of the school beehive.
While wearing a beekeeping suit, fourth-grade teacher Bruce Smith pulled out a portion of the beehive to give students a chance to see the insects up close.
“It appears that the bees are well on the way to being prepared for an Ohio winter,” Smith said.
“Fourth-graders should understand how changes that occur in plant and animal populations can impact other organisms within an ecosystem. It is estimated that one of every three bites of food that one eats is the result of pollination. Insects worldwide are in decline. Pollinators especially appear to be threatened. By caring for a colony of honey bees, students are learning how to have a positive impact on agriculture and the natural environment.”
Teacher Ryan Kerns and his second-grade class recently studied the social structure of the honey bee colony.
“Each sister has a different job depending on her age. In the middle of her life, she produces wax before becoming a forager and bringing back food to the others,” Kerns shared.