Slovenia Osnovna šola 8. razred Curriculum - Beekeeping

This course aims to deepen students' understanding of biological concepts through the lens of beekeeping. It covers the biology of honeybees and other pollinators, their coevolution with plants, and the importance of pollinators for the environment and agriculture. Students will learn about the Carniolan honeybee, a native subspecies crucial to Slovenian beekeeping. The course also introduces the basics of beekeeping practices, connecting them to Slovenia's natural and cultural heritage. Practical work, observation, and exploration are emphasized, allowing students to connect their learning to various other subjects. The course can be taken in the 7th, 8th, or 9th grade and is designed to be accessible even without a school apiary, through collaboration with local beekeepers.

Mandatory Topics

• Biology of the Honeybee: This section covers the members of a bee colony (queen, workers, drones), the importance of the honeycomb, bee anatomy and physiology, developmental stages, colony functioning and division of labor, communication methods, the annual life cycle, the Carniolan honeybee, bee nutrition, and social immunity.
• Diversity of Wild Bees: Students will learn about the diversity of wild bees in Slovenia, compare the life cycles of bumblebees and solitary bees with that of the honeybee, and explore methods for cultivating them in nesting boxes.
• Importance of Pollinators in Ecosystems: This topic covers pollination methods, the coevolution and interdependence of plants and pollinators, the importance of bee pollination for food production and biodiversity, the significance of pollinator diversity, and the role of pollinators as bioindicators of environmental change.
• Threats to Honeybees and Wild Pollinators: Students will learn about the main threats to pollinators, such as habitat loss, pesticides, diseases, lack of nesting sites, and invasive species. They will also understand the importance of conservation measures like planting native melliferous plants, providing nesting sites, and promoting sustainable agriculture.
• Working in an Apiary: This section introduces beekeeping as a profession or hobby, emphasizing the beekeeper's role in understanding bee biology and observing colony and environmental conditions. Students will learn about beekeeping equipment, safety measures, basic beekeeping procedures, and how to observe a bee colony.
• Bee Products: This topic covers various bee products like honey, pollen, propolis, beeswax, royal jelly, and bee venom. Students will explore their uses in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Optional Topics

• History of Beekeeping: This section compares past and present beekeeping practices and introduces the contributions of significant Slovenian beekeepers.
• Beekeeping as Part of Slovenian Cultural Heritage: Students will explore the influence of Slovenian beekeeping on folk art and values, learn about Slovenian apiaries and the unique tradition of painted beehive panels, and discover bee-related proverbs, literature, and music.
• Bee Products in Nutrition: This topic focuses on the use of bee products as natural and wholesome foods.
• Apitherapy: Students will learn about the use of bee products for medicinal purposes.
• Beekeeping Tourism: This section highlights the uniqueness of Slovenian beekeeping traditions and explores beekeeping tourism opportunities in Slovenia.
• Mellifluous Plants: Students will learn about important melliferous plant species, create a garden with these plants, understand the risks of introducing non-native plants, and observe pollinators on melliferous plants.
• Nesting Boxes for Wild Pollinators: Students will build and install nesting boxes for bumblebees and solitary bees and observe their nesting behavior.