LEARNING ACTIVITY
Getting the buzz on bees and other beneficial insects
Category: Biodiversity
Climate Region: Arid | Temperate | Tropical
State or Territory: ACT | NSW | NT | QLD | SA | TAS | VIC | WA
Age Range: 0-7

STORY

Suyin loves spending time at her grandparents’ farm. Her grandparents have lots of fruit trees, and in the spring the blossoms are out and the grapefruit are ready to pick. Suyin and her grandparents are not the only ones who like to eat from the trees; so do some of the insects! Her grandfather points out some insects to Suyin with his magnifying lens. They watch the bees and ladybugs up close who are busy working to help keep the garden healthy.

ACTIVITY OVERVIEW

We’re going to investigate insects! Explore your outdoor surroundings to see if your habitat is home to bees and other beneficial insects. Use the field guide to help you get the buzz on bees and other local insects.

Outcomes

For children to:

  • look closely for beneficial insects outdoors and identify those which are present
  • understand the important role that bees and other insects play in the environment.
SEASONAL NOTES

Insects are likely to be more visible in temperatures above 20⁰ C. Some insects will go into diapause, similar to hibernation to avoid extreme cold or heat.

Did you know?

Native Australian bees love native Australian flowering plants and shrubs the most!

Did you know?

Some native bees are social and live in groups or hives, while most Australian bees live a solitary life or alone.

Did you know?

Native bees come in different sizes and are the perfect size to visit the various sized flowers of native plants.

Did you know?

Native Australian bees love native Australian flowering plants and shrubs the most!

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