World Bee Day!

Bees as pollinators!

(Disponible en español)

What do you notice about this photo? What’s the yellow powder covering the bee? Do you think it’s pollen? We’re going to explore how bees pollinate flowers with this hands-on activity. Click here for instructions in English and Spanish.

Teaching Tip: You can tie in today’s theme with our buzzworthy bees email.

How does bee diversity impact plants?

(Disponible en español)

Are the number of bee species and the number of plant species in an area related? We’re going to look at some data from a research project that surveyed bees in different habitat types in Chicago. Let’s explore how the number of bee species and the number of plant species might be related! Click here to download the worksheet in English and Spanish.

How do dandelions help bees?

Purple coneflowers, milkweed, and other plants are all great pollen an nectar sources for pollinators, but there are other flowers that are just as helpful. Even though lots of people consider them to be weeds, dandelions are actually great early spring sources of nectar and pollen for bees. Click here to learn more from our friends at WTTW.

Guiding Question: Can you think of other “weeds” that might be helpful for bees? How can we help make sure that bees and butterflies have food sources like those plants?

Bees vs. wasps

Take a look at this photo. Do you think it’s a wasp abdomen or a bee abdomen? Although it’s often not easy to get that close to them, the easiest way to tell the difference between a wasp and a bee is by looking at the abdomen. Bees have round, hairy bodies, while wasps are generally narrow and smooth.

Guiding Question: What are some other differences between wasps and bees?

“Backyard Bugs” Story Time

Marjorie is exploring some of the bugs you might encounter in your backyard, like bees, in today’s Story Time. Click here to check it out.

Teaching Tip: Expand Story Time thoughts with our graphic organizer. Click here to download it to guide your young scientist’s discussions during and after Story Time!

Buzzworthy finger painting!

Let’s celebrate bees by making our own bee art! Click here to check out this fun finger painting tutorial to make your own bee painting. Don’t forget, once you’ve completed your paintings, share them with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Behind the Scenes

Even while working remotely, our Nature Museum team members are inspired by nature. Check out this beautiful painting by camp director Becca. You can also click here to check out more art made by the Museum team.