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Race to Pollinate!

Elementary

Description

Biodiversity and the food that we consume every day both rely on the pollination process that is essential to flowering plant reproduction.  Many of the animals that are responsible for pollination are declining, including honeybees, which have been severely impacted by habitat loss, disease and pesticide use.  This engaging outdoor game has students become "bees" who race to transfer pollen between paper bag "flowers".  As pupils learn how pollination works, they consider how different our world would be without the hard-working insects, birds and bats that support agricultural production and ecosystems, and will understand why we must all care for these indispensable creatures that are vital to nature and to us.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

This activity supports Grade K-3 Science lessons that are exploring how animals and plants interact with their environment, characteristics of plants and insects, plant growth and human impacts on habitats.  Students will also be more aware of the role of stewardship in conservation and how their actions can harm or help nature.

The United Nations has designated May 20th as "World Bee Day" and to highlight this event a class might partner with community members to create a pollinator garden on school grounds.  Young pupils can assist with bed preparation and seed planting while adults can design the garden and provide a support network for ongoing garden maintenance.  "Bee City Canada" has simple instructions for creating pollinator habitat and an accompanying "Bee School" recognition program. 

Relevant Curriculum Units

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      • Step 3Select a subject
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    • Grade 3
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        • Science 3: Living things are diverse, can be grouped, and interact in their ecosystems

Themes Addressed

Ecosystems (2)

  • Biodiversity
  • Wildlife Protection

Food & Agriculture (1)

  • Food Security

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