Bees4Kids - The School's Pack
Bees in the Curriculum Version 2
"Bees in the Curriculum" has been extensively revised and reformatted in 2008. The changes preserve the philosophy and ideas of the first version. The changes reflect the new KS1 and KS2 curriculum in England and Wales.
The new version is now on a CD, structured as a self-contained website for teachers and pupils to use. It contains two main sections:
The "STAFF ROOM": This includes all of the material of the first version as printable .pdf material, with some additional colour enhancement. Also included is a copy of the National Curriculum for KS1 and KS2, with links in the NC text to material of relevance. These are also ideas for lesson topics based around bees and beekeeping. Some worksheets for 'Early Years' and a larger 'literacy project framework' have also been added.
The "CLASS ROOM": This is an entirely new section and intended for pupils to explore by themselves on a PC. It contains information and pictures of all sorts related to beekeeping old and new, puzzles, project ideas and a few short video clips, all intended to provide further information. This enables pupils to find things out for themselves, while at the same time enhancing ICT and research skills.
Since it is entirely self-contained, the CD does not need links to the Internet, so can be used in a safe way. If the school wishes, the CD content can be linked to a larger information structure within its own IT systems. The BBKA is very grateful for the support of the John Laing Charitable Trust in making this revision possible.
Version 2 Example Pages
Purchase from the BBKA Online Sales using PayPal or Credit Card.
Download Updates to Version 1
If you have already got a copy of Version 1 you can download update pages and print them out at no cost. Please note that this does not include all the new 'classroom' material. Download the Updated Pages in ZIP Format [6.3MB ZIP]
About the School's Pack, "Bees in the Curriculum" Version 1
"Bees in the Curriculum" is a schools resource Pack for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 (KS1 and KS2: Children aged 5 to 11). It has been devised as an aid for Primary School teachers but can be used by parents and other organizations concerned with out of school activities for children. It uses bees to illustrate many concepts required in the National Curriculum. Teachers sheets provide background scientific knowledge and suggest ideas for activities on specific topics. Coupled with these are work sheets, information, colour pictures and activities for the pupils. These can be used to teach reading, comprehension and mathematical calculation about practical problems. The aim of the project is to get a knowledge of bees into the teaching plan of all Primary schools, so that future society will understand the importance of bees as pollinators essential for the human food chain, and will appreciate bees as fascinating insects to be respected and valued.
Development background
The pack has drawn on educational sources from Germany, France, Norway, United States, New Zealand and the UK. It has been compiled by Sylvia Chamberlin, a retired teacher and beekeeper hobbyist. It links in with the English School's National Curriculum for KS1 and KS2. An interim version of the pack was trialed at several schools in England before its launch in April 1999. It has been highly acclaimed by the teachers who have used it in the classroom and in September 1999 was awarded the Silver Medal for educational material at the International Beekeeping Congress in Vancouver.
How is the pack used by teachers?The pack contains approximately 90 A4 sheets, 28 of which have colour photographs with written information. All are printed on strong paper on one side only and presented in a four hole binder to ensure durability. An underlying requirement in the pack's design was to reduce lesson preparation time for teachers. Information sheets provide factual insect and plant information and resource references. There are also information sheets and work sheets for pupils. The 28 supporting colour photographs of insects with written explanations are used to extend reading and comprehension skills. They can also play an important role in helping pupils relate to real creatures. Everything may be photocopied for school use.
The requirements of the National Curriculum have been closely followed and documented. The introductory sheet, page 6, outlines the structure of the pack, while page 7, shows how the subject matter relates to the National Curriculum. Each topic is preceded by a sheet indicating its scope or range of information provided for that topic. This is followed by reference, basic knowledge teacher and pupil sheets, and pupil work sheets, all collated for each of the 5 topics covered.
There have been many recommendations from teachers using the pack who also commend the pictures with explanations as non-fictional reading for literacy hour. Also, the sheet on hexagons has provided a welcome example of tessellations. They have also expressed how easy it is to dip into the pack to help children of differing abilities or at different levels of development. Some teachers of early secondary school pupils have recommended the pollination topic (pages 52-61) as relevant to their work.
Local beekeeper associations can be approached to supplement the pack material. A list of these can be obtained from About Us/Local Associations. A beekeeper can often bring in an enclosed observation hive in which bees can be seen tending their young. Beekeepers can also be asked for samples of dead bees, beeswax, etc. or even microscope slides/material.
How can the pack be used by parents and other leaders of young people?
The pack can be used to supplement children's learning at school. The variety of the insect pictures in the pack can enlarge a child's concept of the world. Certainly, it is easy to catch children's interest with bees. There are centres where children can be safely taken to see them. An observation hive alone is a source of amazement and as more facts are divulged interest grows. Bees provide children with a fascinating insect to study and observe. The many facets of the study of bees and beekeeping can provide educational experiences in all disciplines - not just science - and at all levels. The "Bees in the Curriculum" Schools pack has been written to do this for children aged 5 to 11.
Cost and availability of the pack
The pack is published by the British Beekeepers Association, BBKA Headquarters, National Agricultural Centre, Stoneleigh, Kenilworth. Warickshire. CV8 2LZ. UK. Version 1 has been sponsored by "Zeneca Crop Protection" and version 2 with support of the John Laing Charitable Trust.
Version 2 (CDROM)
costs £10.00, post free, within the UK. or £25.00,
post free, to anywhere overseas. 
Version 1 (A4 BINDER) costs £15.00, post free, within the UK. or £30.00,
post free, to anywhere overseas.
For a copy of the pack, please e-mail using the Contact
Form with your
name and postal address. The BBKA General Secretary will then send you
a copy by post and invoice you for payment or buy from the BBKA
Online Sales using PayPal or Credit Card.
Alternatively, packs are available by post from:-
The British Beekeepers Association
National Agricultural Centre,
Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth.
Warwickshire. CV8 2LG.
Credit
The original Bees4kids website was created by Raymond & Sylvia Chamberlin High
Wycombe Beekeepers Association.