Apply math and science learning

Seniors and sixth-graders at Bethany Christian Schools helped a local beekeeper, Dr. Timothy Thut, harvest honey as part of their science and math studies. Dr. Thut first learned about and partricipated in apiculture (beekeeping) as a youth and then started several hives himself over ten years ago. On Tuesday, Aug. 25, he brought his hives to Bethany for Biology 2 students to learn firsthand about the important role of bees as food producers—not only in making honey, but as pollinators of other crops. It is estimated that over 90 crops are benefited by honey bee pollination and the value of this service to the United States agriculture has been estimated to be about 18 billion dollars!

The Biology 2 students, who are currently studying entomology (insects), assisted with cutting wax from the hives’ frames and then spinning the frames to extract more honey. They have also been observing bees at work in an observation hive that Dr. Thut made for their class.

Sixth-grade students also had opportunity to assist with the harvesting and learned how the hexagon shape of the honeycomb is very strong and efficient—that bees are natural mathematicians!

Using the observation box

Biology 2 student studies an insect