Help bees by helping trees!
Grade Level: K-6
Learning Objectives:
- Identify pollinators and their role in the ecosystem
- Identify threats pollinators are facing
- Describe how trees can help pollinators
During this activity students will:
- Learn about the importance of pollinators
- Learn about why pollinator populations are decreasing and how we can help
- Take action by adopting tree-friendly habits
Materials
Instructions
- Ask students what they know about pollinators and how trees help them. For example:
- Flower nectar from fruit trees like apple and cherries give bees energy
- Trees give pollinators places to nest and rest.
- Some caterpillars need to eat leaves from specific trees to turn into butterflies
- Explain that to help pollinators, you are going to take on the Trees For the Bees Challenge. Go through the five habits using the TREErific Habits Sheet and answer any questions.
- Hand out the TREErific Challenge Chart. Tell students to check off habits they do each day (one check per habit daily) for a week and that you’ll check in during the next class to see how it went.
- One week later, discuss the results. The following questions can guide the discussion:
- Which habit was easiest? Why?
- Which habit was hardest? Why?
- For “Talk about trees”—what did you share, and what do you think is most important?