Bees in Schools: Free Resources and Visits Across Yorkshire
Children love bees. Teachers love anything that makes science, geography and the environment come alive in the classroom. We can help with both.
The Yorkshire Beekeepers' Association (YBKA) brings together beekeeping associations across the county. On this page you'll find free teaching resources for Key Stages 1 and 2, ideas for making your school or youth group more bee friendly, and details of how to ask for a visit from a local beekeeper.
Email us at schools@ybka.org.uk and tell us a little about your group. We'll do our best to find someone near you.
Free teaching resources for Key Stages 1 and 2
Our national body, the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA), publishes a free Bees in the Curriculum teachers' pack. It's a friendly introduction to bees and minibeasts, bee products, the beekeeper and pollination. The online PDF pack has plenty of worksheets you can pick up and use, and it's open to everyone, especially schools.
The pack is split into three sections. The headings are scientific for ease of use, but don't feel boxed in. A waggle dance makes a fine PE lesson, and designing a honey jar label can easily become an art class.
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Understanding the World
Bees in the Curriculum worksheets and activities that help children make sense of the world around them.
Open on the BBKA site -
Science
Bees in the Curriculum science resources covering bees, minibeasts and the life of the hive.
Open on the BBKA site -
Environmental Science
Bees in the Curriculum resources on pollination, habitats and why bees matter to the environment.
Open on the BBKA site -
Building a herb spiral
Ideas for school apiaries and bee friendly growing, including how to build a herb spiral.
Open on the BBKA site -
BBKA Talks for Children
Bee talks for children by BBKA Past President Margaret Murdin, including "Why bees have smelly feet" and "Why do bees buzz?"
Open on the BBKA site -
All Bees in the Curriculum
The full collection in one place, including acknowledgements and the sponsor of the pack, National Bee Supplies.
See the whole collection
More ways to get your school involved
The BBKA runs a number of other schemes for children and young people. You don't need to keep bees to take part.
- Friends of the Honey Bee: schools and community groups can sign up to show their commitment to supporting honey bees and pollinators.
- Bee Friendly Schools: ideas for making school grounds welcoming to pollinators.
- Beekeeping Schools: guidance for schools thinking about keeping bees themselves.
- Pollinator Protectors: a science project for young people.
- Planting for Pollinators: what to grow to feed bees through the seasons.
- Visiting the BBKA Education Centre at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.
Arranging a visit from a local beekeeper
Yorkshire is a big county, and our beekeepers are spread across it in local associations. Plenty of them are happy to talk to children, whether that's a classroom talk, a look at some beekeeping kit, or a session for a Scout, Cub, Brownie or Rainbow group.
To help us match you with someone close by, please email us with:
- Your school or group name and town
- The age group and roughly how many children
- What you have in mind, and any dates that suit you
Visits depend on volunteers being available in your area, so we can't promise one every time, but we'll always try.
Safeguarding
Looking after children matters to us. When you get in touch we'll talk through the arrangements for any visit with you, so you're comfortable about who is coming into your school or group and what they'll be doing. Please also share your own visitor policy with us.
Common questions
Are the teaching resources really free?
Yes. The BBKA Bees in the Curriculum pack is free and open to everyone, especially schools.
Which age groups are they for?
They're written for Key Stages 1 and 2, covering bees and minibeasts, bee products, the beekeeper and pollination.
Does our school need hives?
No. Lots of schools teach about bees without keeping any. Planting for pollinators, building a herb spiral or inviting a beekeeper to talk are all good starting points.
Can you send a beekeeper to a Scout or youth group?
We'll try. Get in touch with the details and we'll see who's nearby.
Is YBKA a charity?
Yes, Registered Charity No. 509743. Educating the public about honey bees and their place in the environment is one of our charitable objectives.
Get in touch
Schools and youth groups, please email:
Teaching resources linked on this page are produced by the British Beekeepers Association and hosted on the BBKA website. Links open in a new tab.