The Justification and Development of a Wisconsin Native Bee Education Guide

Abstract

It is crucial people understand the indispensable ecological service native bees provide and recognize their responsibility to protect and promote this key pollinator. This research justified the development of a native bee educational guide for the La Crosse community. Rooted in recommendations from formal and non-formal educators, the researcher developed an educational guide designed for third, fourth and fifth graders. The lessons plans and educational materials within the guide were validated by educators’ knowledge and suggestions. Each lesson attempts to galvanize an interest in native bees and empower students to take action to conserve native bee habitat. The guide was designed to be utilized by formal and non-formal educators alike and is appropriate for environmental education centers, afterschool programing, and summer school. Ideally, the native bee educational guide will diminish the fear and anxiety students often associate with bees and provide students and educators with resources to foster the conservation of La Crosse’s native bees.