Lesson Plan: Welcome to my Hive [Presented by Blick Art Materials]

In a honey bee community, one can find a level of cooperation and collaborative teamwork that exists nowhere else on earth. Each bee has an important role to play to guarantee the survival of the hive. Some bees work in food production, some in reproduction, some in raising the young, others as hive security officers — there are even bee housekeepers!  

In the human world, there are workers who keep the community humming along as well. In this lesson, students are asked to consider the people who provide services and necessities for them, then design a hexagon cell that represents their respective contribution. Cells can be connected to create a honeycomb-shaped display that expresses appreciation and recognition.  

The hexagon shape found in honeycomb cells forms a beautiful, strong, and consistent pattern. It's the most efficient shape because it requires the least amount of building material (beeswax) by sharing walls with each neighboring cell and leaving no space between. Each individual cell has a purpose and function.  

With a bit of cutting, measuring, and folding, a 3-dimensional hexagon shape is easy to create from strips of sturdy paper or board. Younger ages can use a hexagon-shaped box as a stamp to create a 2 dimensional honeycomb pattern.  

**GRADES 2-12** Note: Instructions and materials are based upon a class size of 24 students. Adjust as needed.

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