Grades 3-5 (Kit)
Explore the essential role worker bees play in pollination with this interactive simulation. Students will actively engage as flowers, worker bees, and the queen bee to better understand how pollen and nectar are transferred to support plant reproduction.
Kit Contents
- Mini pompoms (representing pollen)
- Medium-sized pompoms (representing bees’ hairy bodies)
- Cups (for pollen and nectar containers)
- Jewel bags (to represent honey sacs)
- Yarn (to tie jewel bags as necklaces)
- Straws (to simulate bees’ proboscis)
- Materials to create construction paper headbands and antennae
Activity Instructions
In this simulation, students take on the roles of flowers, worker bees, drones, and the queen bee. Using headbands and props, they enact the pollination process in a designated “garden” and “beehive” area. Worker bees collect pollen and nectar from flowers, transferring pollen between flowers to mimic natural pollination. The activity reinforces concepts about pollinator behavior, flower anatomy, and the critical connections in ecosystems.
Additional Resources
This activity is part of the Honey Bees: A Pollination Simulation lesson. Find this and other related lessons on the National Agricultural Literacy Curriculum Matrix.
Classroom Uses
- Science and biology lessons on pollination and ecosystems
- Hands-on learning to reinforce concepts of plant reproduction
- Group activities that foster teamwork and role-playing
- Outdoor or indoor active learning sessions