Bee and Butterfly Garden

In line with the Ontario Science Curriculum, we will explore habitats, endangered species and how we can help the animals sustain survival. In order to do this, as science classes we will research animal endangerment and how humans can help prevent extinction. Using this research we will then collaborate as a team and plan a garden that would specifically help our local issue of bee and butterfly endangerment. In addition to using this garden we can explore the life cycle, habitat and eco-systems. Students will take the lead in planning the plants, layout and construction of the garden area. This will provide them with hands-on learning that will increase active participation within the science expectation and therefore develop a deeper understanding of the Science
concepts. This will also give students the opportunity to education other students in the natural environment and allow them to be leaders in the school. This will connect to health and wellness as studies have shown that being outside improves mood, reduces stress and fatigue, provides different stimulation, promotes creativity and imagination.

Update (June 20, 2019)

Rockland Public School has been busy setting up bee and butterfly gardens. Mr. Jeaurond (Ms. Vrbetic’s spouse) came in and helped us build 5 additional garden boxes which will be gifted to each of the grades at our school to promote a love for the environment, for plant diversity and conservation of natural habitats The ECO club has joined in the efforts of creating these gardens also for the purpose of an outdoor classroom. Once the boxes were built, the ECO club and Science class students worked very hard to fill the boxes with soil, so they are ready for classes to begin planting. They have also been very busy weeding and getting the existing flower beds ready for planting. Some of our Science classes have been preparing for planting by germinating and caring for bee-attracting flowers such as lavender and delphinium seeds. Additional bee and butterfly attracting plants and flowers will be added to the gardens by the classes. Some classes will be constructing self-made bee homes using bamboo sticks, to add to the garden outdoor areas. We are all excited to continue our progress towards our finished product!

Update (June 28, 2019)

Our plants are growing and our DIY bee homes are being constructed! The bamboo sticks were cut by Mr. Jeaurond and the grade 5 students worked hard to prepare the pieces to fit into the wooden boxes, to construct the bee homes. Once completed, the bee homes will be placed near and around the new and existing gardens. This project is for the purpose of attracting bees to our area, and therefore the students have been educated on effectively sharing their yard space with the bees so that they can acknowledge that the bees are there to collect pollen, and not to be pests, therefore students are encouraged to observe the bee activity and respectfully allow them to visit the flowers without distractions, threats or interruptions.