Ōtorohanga Primary School is an Enviroschool in Waikato. Below is the story about their school beehive inquiry and the amazing learning it has provided for their tamariki. Big thanks to Natalie Southgate (parent, volunteer gardener and beekeeper) for providing this story and the photos.
Our first day with the school hives was bee-yond exciting! The tamariki suited up in bee suits and gloves, looking just like real beekeepers. They took turns puffing the smoker, holding frames covered in busy bees, and writing down their discoveries.
Inside the hives, we checked for any signs of bee sickness (American Foulbrood), and spotted eggs, tiny larvae, capped brood, and even some drone brood. The biggest thrill was watching a brand-new baby bee wriggle out of her cell – straight into the world!
We also learnt about festooning – that’s when the bees join legs and make a little chain, like a living bee bridge, to help build their hive.
And guess what? We even made a whole new colony! By giving them honey frames and eggs, the bees can grow their very own queen. The tamariki loved learning how she’s fed royal jelly to become the boss of the hive. Before tucking the bees in, we gave them some sugar syrup for extra energy.
Our young beekeepers were buzzing with confidence and excitement. Who knows – maybe we have some future beekeepers in the making!
