Where Have All the Bees Gone?
	Print this worksheet

Question Sheet: Where Have All the Bees Gone?

SCIENCE

Before reading:

1. How do bee colonies function? Draw a picture of a bee colony and label the parts.
2. Should people be concerned that bees are disappearing? Why or why not?

During reading:

1. Describe colony collapse disorder.
2. Why are people concerned about the disappearance of bees?
3. What signs indicate that the bees are sick?
4. Why do scientists believe there might be something repellent in the bee hives?
5. How does genetic diversity affect a bee colony?

After reading:

1. Do you think the bee disappearance is natural, or are people somehow to blame? Could both be true? Explain your reasoning.
2. How do you think people will be affected by the loss of so many bees?
3. What is a parasite? How might a parasite damage a bee's digestion?
4. Why would an entomologist (insect scientist) be interested in colony collapse disorder? What does an entomologist do?
5. If you were going to study colony collapse disorder, what possible causes would you investigate? Why?

SOCIAL STUDIES

How do people who grow crops use bees?

LANGUAGE ARTS

1. Imagine that you are old and you live in a world without bees. Tell your imaginary grandchildren about your memories of bees.
2. Insecticides can cause serious damage to the ecosystem and the world. Research the story of the insecticide (or pesticide) DDT, and identify at least three kinds of animals that DDT harmed.
3. One-fourth of some bee populations have been lost to colony collapse disorder. Imagine that one-fourth of another kind of animal disappeared mysteriously. Choose an animal, and write a short essay about what problems that would cause.

Back to TeacherZone home page.