Students at Dames Ferry Elementary School are engaged in an exciting year-long STEM project focused on honeybees, led by Phil Huskins, a local beekeeper and community partner.
Fourth-grade teacher, Samantha Whatley, said the students are learning about prevention measures for colony collapse disorder, discovering the importance of bees, and understanding how to protect them.
“Mr. Phil visits the students throughout the year to teach them that bees are not insects to be feared. They are complex creatures that play a crucial role in the environment,” she explained.
She said Huskins has been teaching students many facts about bees.
“Recently, Mr. Phil taught the students how bee behavior changes with the seasons and how various weather conditions can impact their life cycle.”
Several of the fourth-grade students shared their thoughts about Huskins’ lessons, discussing what they liked and learned.
“Bees have individual jobs within the hive. This year, Mr.
Phil put them into an observatory, so it was cool to see them actually at work. I can’t wait to get inside the apiary once it gets warmer.”
“I liked seeing pictures of the queen bee when Mr. Phil taught us about bee behavior and weather.”
“The experience I have had with the bees has been wonderful. I was able to see all the pictures and have a real-life experience. I look forward to putting on the bee suit when it gets warm and being in the hive.”
“It was interesting to learn that all the worker bees are females, while the males have different roles.”
Whatley expressed gratitude on behalf of all the fourthgrade students and teachers for Huskins’ commitment to the school and his dedication to raising awareness about the importance of bees.
Huskins commented on his involvement with the school’s STEM lesson and its impact.
“I think the STEM program is great for the students and the community. It teaches the students so much. Hopefully, they will take things with them and learn about the importance of honey,” he said.
