"In 1991, a science outreach program for grades K-3 called The Manduca Project was initiated through the joint efforts of the University of Arizona Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics and Tucson Unified School District (TUSD). This project provides resources for student explorations with [the Carolina Sphinx Moth] (Manduca sexta). It has demonstrated the insect's usefulness both as a research subject and as a bridge between the University and the public schools...
The Manduca Project is based in student explorations of Manduca sexta, and has proven that this insect is important not only as a research subject, but also as a strong bridge between scientists and students." Visit the Manduca Project Web site to learn more.
Students learn about conservation by planting and caring for plants in Urbandale, Iowa. Photo by Lynn Betts, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Scope out a site with your class that receives six hours of full sun daily. If there is not a lot of growing space available, consider growing plants in containers.
Plant a variety of native plants that are nectar- and pollen-rich. Choose plants that have a variety of flower shapes and sizes and that bloom throughout the season. Also, be sure to include food sources and habitat for the egg and larval stages of the pollinators you are trying to attract.
Provide a water source for your pollinators. Shallow pools, mud puddles, and bird baths work well.
Provide sites and materials for nesting and overwintering. Things as simple as leaving cut plant stems in the garden, turning over empty flowerpots with drainage holes, and creating mud puddles can be valuable.
Get Students Interested in Pollinators
It is key for students to discover the importance of pollinators and pollination at a young age. There are many activities in which a classroom can engage to learn about pollinators and, at the same time, to aid in their conservation. Try starting a pollinator garden, building bat houses or bee nest boxes, or teach a lesson about how pollinators benefit agriculture and biodiversity. Follow the tips to the right to create a classroom pollinator garden or see "Creating a Pollinator Garden Classroom Project" (National Gardening Association).
Monarch Live: A Distance Learning Adventure
Thanks to Monarch Live: A Distance Learning Adventure, electronic field trips following the annual migration of the monarch butterfly will occur live via broadcasts and webcasts during the 2008-09 school year. Lesson plans are also available. Programs are available in English and Spanish.
Two of these podcasts were held in February, 2009. "In the Mexican Mountains" took place at the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve and visited with biologists who study the monarch butterflies' winter habitat. The second - "Community Conservation in Mexico" - broadcast from Alternare, a community organization that promotes conservation and sustainable livelihoods for small farmers living in the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve.
Three more events are planned for May. On May 19, watch the podcast "Little Spaces; Big Results" for information on how even small garden plots can help monarch butterflies. On May 21, Monarch Live will air "Building the Population," a program focusing on monarch butterflies' summer behavior and population growth, citizen roles in monitoring the population, and threats to monarch butterflies. Finally, join a webchat on May 28 entitled "Monarchs in Canada" to discuss Canada's role in providing summer habitat for monarch butterflies.
Haagen-Dazs(R)' new HelpTheHoneyBees web site provides a fun, colorful and informative explanation and exploration of the importance of honey bees as pollinators and the importance of their pollination services to the Haagen-Dazs(R) product range.
"Bee pollination is essential for ingredients in nearly 40 percent"of Haagen-Dazs(R) super-premium ice cream flavors. The web site also includes a "bee store" with bee-friendly merchandise. Profits from the"bee store" go towards funding honey bee research. Bravo Haagen-Dazs(R)!
Nature's Partners: Pollinators, Plants, and You
The Pollinator Partnership has completed an inquiry learning-based curriculum for children in the 3rd through 6th grades: Nature's Partners: Pollinators, Plants, and You. This flexible curriculum is comprised of seven modules, each of which can be used individually or in its entirety. Each module provides several activities appropriate for either the formal classroom or a non-formal education setting. The curriculum also encourages a community service learning project.
The NBII Program is administered by the Biological Informatics Office of the U.S. Geological Survey
