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No Bees, No Food!

When we think about bees and food, we immediately think of honey.

European Honeybees were introduced into Australia in 1822 because the native bees were not good at pollinating European plants and crops. These bees live in groups or hives and make delicious honey.   

Australia is home to over 2000 species of native bees which are important pollinators, ensuring the survival of plants and therefore the food we eat. In fact over 70 per cent of our food crops rely on pollinators such as bees. Some of these foods include macadamias, mangos and watermelons.  

Did you know? Grain crops are in the plant family of grasses and are wind-pollinated, so don’t need bees. 

Listen to "Bizarre BEE-haviour PODCAST (only up to 4.55)"

Visit the Pollination Portal to learn more about bees as important pollinators! 

Learn more about how bees and other animals are important for pollination by watching the video below.

Activities - No Bees, No Food!

1. Types of native bees

Explore the Pollination Portal to find out about the main groups of native bees in Australia. Choose your favourite bee and create a piece of art. Search the internet to see if you can find something you might eat that needs this bee for pollination. 

2. Spot the pollinator

Watch the Pollination video above. Explore your school or local area and spot as many pollinators as you can. 
 

3. Listen and waggle

Listen to the podcast about the honey bees that are found at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney (up to 4.55).
Replicate the bee waggle dance. See the activity sheet here to help.

4. Make a bee hotel

 Make your own bee hotel to attract bees to the garden. See the activity sheet here for details.