Instructions for Observing Bees by Ruby Ogden 3M

What you need:

·         A bee suit with hood and long gloves

·         A bee keeper or other adult

·         A pair of wellies

·         A smoke gun

 

 

Safety Tips:

·         Don’t be scared

·         Move around slowly

·         If the bees rest on you don’t flap your arms or they will fly away

 

 

1.      First, stand quietly outside the apiary without making any loud noises.

2.      Next, sit carefully on the log and take off your shoes.

3.      After, step slowly into your bee suit.

4.      Then pull your suit up and put your arm into the sleeve.

5.      Next you need to put your long gloves on and make sure that they are on top of your sleeves.

6.      Then pull your hood up and zip it up, but make sure your hair is out of your face and in the hood.

7.      Put your wellie boots on and wait for an adult to come.

8.      When you enter the apiary, you need to put your hands behind your back so the bees don’t get scared.

9.      After you come out make sure you have no bees on you. 

 

 

 

 

 

3M with the Bees on Autumn Grounds Day

3M were very busy during our Autumn Grounds Day!  We had the wonderful opportunity of visiting our very own bee hives, with a Bee Keeper.  Not only did we visit the apiary, but we actually got the chance to dress in our very own bee suits and study the hives.  We were so intrigued by our bees, that we wanted to find out more about these incredible creatures. 



Kitting up to study the bees

 

We learned about how to write effective instructions to explain how to observe our bees and we started to research about these insects to answer our enquiry question, 'Why do we need bees?'

We learned that there are far more to bees meets the eye.  Without these creatures, not only would there be far fewer wild flowers and plants, but the world’s food production would also change radically.  Certain foods, such as almonds, blueberries and tomatoes, rely solely on bees for pollination and a world without tomato pizza would be a very sad place!

During October of this year, America placed bees on the Endangered Species list for the first time ever, which saddened us deeply.  Many of us didn’t realise just how important bees are to our world and if we don’t act now, our world will be a far less colourful place to live.

Ready to enter the apiary

 

 



 

Bee exploration

Today was an exciting day - I was at last going to get to go into the apiary and see the bees.  They are now awake and busy after the winter, so I was going to see some action.

Mr Warren inspects our hives weekly, and I met him there to find out for myself what happens.  The colony within the observation hive inside the shed is working really well and the queen is busy laying eggs; she is a young queen so full of vigour.  The hive outside has a queen which is 3 years old and starting to slow down, but the colony is still very healthy.

This is the entrance to the indoor hive.  A small hole within the apiary enclosure. The white plate and landing zone are to guide the bees, and enable them to find the entrance on a large blank shed side.

After donning the bee suit in I went while Mr Warren opened the hives and checked the slides.  Each showed a selection of activities - from larvae to honey, drone cells to nectar.  It was fascinating to watch the bees making a bee line (yes an actual bee line) from the apiary and over the side gate to the nearest source of nectar which we think is a line of horse chestnuts.  And that leads me into the different colours of pollen in the sacs.  We spotted bright yellows, greens and one bee with dark red pollen sacs.  Fascinating.



The bees were so gentle and docile, taking no notice of us at all as they were busy.  It was such a privilege today to see them at their work.  I'm quite envious of the Year 4 children who will soon be starting an enquiry on the different colours of pollen and where the bees might be sourcing it.

The way into the indoor hive is through this channel - the entrance to which is a small hole on the outside but within the enclosure.

The top of our observation hive

Our fabulous observation hive.

Poached eggs take 2

Our hens produce lovely fresh eggs and up until this moment the thought of enjoying a poached egg at school for breakfast had escaped me.  Then someone mentioned eggs benedict...
Cue Mrs Nash who explained that her husband cooked poached eggs using a cup and microwave.  Suddenly the possibility of a poached egg for breakfast seemed to be a reality.
2 minutes later, the ping of the microwave signalled the moment life was about to change forever at Wicor.

Behold a poached egg and tasty it was too.

The first Wicor poached egg in breakfast club....yum!

Mark Wildman

Early Nectar

Our mild weather has meant that we have seen a greater number of bees about. At Wicor we have carefully planted a wide variety of plants that flower through some of the darker months! This has provided our own bees with a good supply of much needed nectar.

Helleborus odorus

                                                Narcissus pseudonarcissus

Rosmarinus officinalis

Mahonia japonica