It is not always possible to observe pollinators outside, due to lack of flowering plants in the area, weather, season, or various student needs. You can still learn about pollinator and flower interactions through indoor activities. These indoor activities can also be done before or after outdoor activities to either prepare for or reinforce outdoor learning.
Indoor pollinator observation options
- Create your own pollinator puppets to practice data collection. Gather and assemble materials
- Use videos of pollinator observations to practice data collection
If you are unable to get outside for observations, you can practice your skills with this video playlist of pollinators on flowers.
Flower dissection
This flower dissection activity can help students learn plant anatomy and the connections to pollinator biology.
- Check in with your local flower shop or grocery store to see if they can donate flowers to your classroom.
- Provide students with flowers, scalpels, and a copy of this activity sheet.
- Identify and label flower parts
- Cut open the ovary and find the ovule
Build nests for cavity nesting bees
About 15% of bee species nest in cavities. These activities can provide homes for these bees.
- Build with cardboard tubes/straws
- Build with natural stems
- Build with plastic bottles and brown paper bags
