The business of bees

Pollen is a yellow dust that is at the center of a flower. The pollen sticks to the bee's legs and body. When the bee flies to a new flower the pollen from the first flower falls off onto it. We call this pollination. Pollination helps the flower make seeds.

Bees collect nectar and pollen from flowers for food.

Waggle Dance

Waggle Dance_YouTube_NickReedMusic <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuhPvvLk5Bs">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuhPvvLk5Bs</a>

Worker bees talk to each other. They share where the best flowers for pollinating are by doing the waggle dance.

Bees are social. They cooperate with each other so the colony can survive.

Why do you think there are always bees around flowers?

In loving memory of Angela Mayberry, a dear friend and collaborator. A dedicated teacher, skilled media specialist and engaged community member, Angela shared her love of STEM and literacy with her students and colleagues alike. As I brainstorm, write and revise I carry Angela's ideas, enthusiasm and support with me - Dearing

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Bees are not the only creatures that help flowers pollinate. Hummingbirds, butterflies, moths, beetles and even flies help.

Bees are responsible for a lot of the food we eat. Bees give us honey. They also pollinate the flowers on the fruit and flowering vegetables we eat. Vegetables, like tomatoes and squash, that come from flowers are really fruits too. They just aren't as sweet. So you see, we need bees to survive.

A group of bees is called a colony. A colony of bees live together in a hive.

The flowers are bright colors to attract the bees.

The colony also has drones and workers. Drones stay close to the hive. They assist the queen to make her eggs ready to become baby bees or larva.

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Worker bees are very busy. They build and protect the hive, find food and keep the air moving by beating their wings like fans.

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A queen runs the colony. The queen gives all the other bees information from chemicals made in her body. 

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