Honey bee operations are in sharp decline throughout North America and Europe. Many large beekeeping operators are reporting that up to 40 or 50 percent of their swarms have mysteriously disappeared. This fast-paced and entertaining video introduces students to the implications of this decline, the possible causes, and the reactions by farmers and governments.
The decline in bee populations provides an excellent case study of the interrelationships (among society, the environment and the economy) that guide sustainable development. The video has relevance for a number of subject areas.
Science/ Environmental Science units related to pollination and plant reproduction; herbicides/ pesticide use and environmental degradation; sustainability of ecosystems
Social Studies/Economic units related to agriculture industry and government regulations
Geography units that explore the impacts of human activity on the environment.
The video should be used to introduce the issue of honey bee declines as it provides a quick overview of the relevant data, the consequences, the possible causes and responses that may be adopted.
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