Bee Covered in Pollen

Observed in a Council Bluffs park, this bee is covered in pollen. Flowers have an abundance of pollen that is picked up by the bee and deposited on the next flower to help increase reproduction of seeds.

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Council Bluffs

Iowa Core Standard

MS-LS1-4

Use argument based on empirical evidence and scientific reasoning to support an explanation for how characteristic animal behaviors and specialized plant structures affect the probability of successful reproduction of animals and plants respectively

Driving Question

Why is the bee covered in pollen?

Probing Questions

What do you notice about the bee?
What do you notice about the flower?
Where will the pollen end up?

Classroom Suggestions

Students could:

Review the photo and complete a notice and wonder chart to gather observations and questions.
Research the structure and function of both plants and bees and how they relate to pollination.

Resources

California Academy of Sciences | Flowers Seeking Pollinators: In this activity, students learn about plant reproduction and use real data to construct explanations about which flowers are the most attractive to different pollinators.
PBS LearningMedia | NOVA: The Reproductive Role of Flowers: In this video from NOVA, learn about the critical role of flowers in seed plant reproductive biology.
PBS LearningMedia | Georgia Outdoors: How Bees Pollinate Flowers: Learn about pollination and the important role bees play in the process in this excerpt from Georgia Outdoors.
Montana Pollinator Education Project | The Buzz on Bumble Bees: Students will understand the individuality and vital importance of bumble bees.
Iowa State University Extension | Bumble Bee: This article provides an overview of the bumble bee including description and live cycle.

Contributors

Submitted by Hannah Haarhues-Casey and Kelly Carr.