National Science Week activities will involve the whole school exploring the role of pollinator insects in our school gardens. The aim of our project is to incorporate flowers into our food gardens to create a beneficial garden to ensure species survival of insects and bees.

Prior to and during Science Week students will be actively involved in propagation and pollinator workshops, planting seeds and seedlings and maintaining garden beds. In class, students will investigate the important role flowers, pollinators and beneficial insects play in a healthy ecosystem.

Together with hands-on garden activities, primary classes will build a bee hotel to observe and monitor bees and insects while infant students will use magnifying glasses to investigate pollinators in our garden environment.

Grant funding will provide seeds, seedlings, propagation equipment, magnifying glasses, and a bee hotel. School contributions and community involvement will ensure the project is ongoing and sustainable.

Problem solving, collaboration and critical thinking are the STEM skills to apply to Australia’s changing future while adapting to the changing climate. This project will enhance student learning through hands-on experiences and observations. It will provide students with a deeper understanding of the role that flowers, and beneficial insects play in a healthy ecosystem.