Saturday SAVY, Week 2, Plants and Pollen (1st-2nd)
We learned a lot about pollinators today. After learning about the anatomy of bees, the students observed dead bees with magnifying glasses and identified each part of the bee discussed earlier. Students then drew and labeled the life cycles of bees. We also identified the metamorphosis of butterflies and ladybugs.
We had a demonstration by a beekeeper from The Beekeepers Association of Tennessee. Students handled beeswax, honeycomb, and smokers used by beekeepers. They even had a chance to try on beekeepers’ outfits. Mr. Foy, the beekeeper, taught us a lot about the importance of bees and how they impact our gardens and crops through pollination.
Our studies then led us to discuss plants’ needs, and we identified parts of plants and different seeds. Students took white beans home to plant; hopefully, germination will start in a week, so we can discuss their seedlings next week.
We discussed how different flowers are pollinated in different ways. We looked at photos of a variety of flowers, identifying their stigma and pollen sources. Next week, we will work on designing and building hand pollinators for various plants.
I am excited for our final Saturday together next week when students will use their knowledge gained from our time together to design hand pollinators.
Questions to ask your Agricultural Engineer about today:
- What are the three body parts of insects? (They might sing you their song about the “head, thorax, abdomen)
- Why do you think a bee needs antennae? (For touch and smell).
- What do bees and butterflies use to suck up nectar? (proboscis)
- To which body section do the legs connect? (thorax)
- Where are the wings attached? (thorax)
- What does metamorphosis mean?
- How can we help bees? (planting gardens and avoiding pesticides that harm them)
- How are flowers pollinated and how does the shape of the flower impact how pollination is achieved?
We look forward to seeing everyone next Saturday!
