Hands-on With Honey Bees: Forging Our Next Generation of Beekeepers, Scientists, and Leaders
4-H and Youth Programming
Luis Rodriguez
Agriculture Extension Agent (Small Farms &; Pesticide Education)
UF/IFAS Extension
Lakeland
Abstract
Background: Pollination services provided by apiculture operations are essential to the economic viability of our nation's agriculture. Western honey bees, used by beekeepers, improve the yields of many commodities such as almonds, berries, nuts, and other crops. Teaching youth about the importance of keeping bees and associated careers in agriculture can help youth discover paths otherwise unknown in their quest to become productive members of society. Objective: An interactive beekeeping workshop at the UF/IFAS Extension Honey Research and Extension Laboratory was planned, conducted, and evaluated by UF/IFAS Extension agents to increase knowledge and awareness of the honey bee importance in agriculture. Activities were designed for youth 14 – 18 years of age. Methods: This workshop focused on increasing knowledge and awareness through interactive demonstrations, hands-on learning, and formal education. Topics covered included bee biology and behavior, beekeeping implements, honey production, pests and diseases, bees in agriculture, and career opportunities. Youth were taught about safety and were exposed to a live hive inspection. Results: Surveyed participants (n=10) reported increased knowledge including performing a hive inspection (46%), bee biology and behavior (50%), the use of beekeeping equipment (40%), apicultural pests and diseases (68%), and careers opportunities in beekeeping (100%). Moreover, youth stated that they intended to implement what they learned in their lives and future projects (100%). Conclusion: Utilizing hands-on activities in beekeeping helps youth explore career options in agriculture and increases knowledge and awareness about the importance of these creatures. These unique experiences help youth in choosing good decisions that could benefit agriculture and their own life experiences.
Authors: Jonael Bosques, Luis Rodriguez, Amy Vu, Louis Dennin, Shreemoyee Ghosh, Chris Oster
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Jonael Bosques County Extension Director and Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Hardee County, Florida, 33873
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Luis Rodriguez Agriculture Extension Agent (Small Farms &; Pesticide Education), UF/IFAS Extension Polk County, Florida, 33809
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Amy Vu State Specialized Program Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Honey Bee Research and Extension Lab, Florida, 32611
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Louis Dennin Extension Coordinator, UF/IFAS Honey Bee Research and Extension Lab, Florida, 32611
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Shreemoyee Ghosh 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent , UF/IFAS Extension Polk County, Florida, 33830
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Chris Oster Lab Manager, UF/IFAS Honey Bee Research and Extension Lab, Florida, 32611