Honey Bees: Survival, Sustainability and Science in Action

Developed through collaboration between AgriFutures Australia and the Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia, the Honey Bees: Survival, Sustainability and Science in Action three-lesson resource explores the importance of European honey bees in Australian environments and agricultural production. Throughout these lessons, students examine the physical features and behaviours that support honey bee survival in Australian habitats, the challenges facing honey bee populations, and how scientific research contributes to sustainable pollination systems in native and managed environments.

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Lesson 1 | What’s All The Buzz About Honey Bees?

Through guided research and collaborative learning activities, students will explore the unique adaptations that allow European honey bees to thrive across Australia’s diverse environments. They will investigate how these adaptations support pollination and contribute to food and fibre production in managed ecosystems. To apply their learning, students will examine how environmental conditions influence the characteristics of Australian honey varieties through a sensory or creative design activity.

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Lesson 2 | Protecting Our Pollinators: How Science Supports Honey Bees

Students will explore how science is used to identify, investigate, and solve real-world challenges affecting honey bee populations and the pollination systems they support. They will examine how people in different agricultural careers use data, evidence, and technology to make informed management decisions. They will apply their understanding by designing and performing a role play that demonstrates how scientific knowledge helps protect honey bees and sustain healthy ecosystems.

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Lesson 3 | Science in Action: How Clover4Bees Helps Bees and Producers

Students examine a real-world Australian scientific research project, Clover4Bees, which trialled different pasture legumes (clover) to identify species that could support honey bees with consistent floral resources. Through videos, reading, analysis, and creative communication, students explore how scientists, producers, and industry partners collaborate to build resilience in agriculture and sustain pollination services in a changing environment.

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