Pollinators such as bees play a vital role in food production and biodiversity, but their populations are in decline. In Josephine County, Oregon State University Extension Service’s 4-H Youth Development program is addressing this concern by helping young people understand the critical role of pollinators — and how to protect them.
Through interactive lessons, students explored the types of pollinators, the foods that depend on them, and how bees communicate through movement.
At Fruitdale Elementary School in Grants Pass, 4-H led a hands-on activity for fifth grade students using bristle bee bots — small, motorized robots designed to mimic bee behavior. The students used these bots to simulate pollination, guiding them along farm maps and paths to demonstrate how bees collect and return pollen to the hive.
Through interactive lessons, students explored the types of pollinators, the foods that depend on them, and how bees communicate through movement. They also learned that bees tend to pollinate one crop at a time, a behavior essential to successful plant reproduction.
The session also addressed challenges pollinators face, including habitat loss. By exploring these threats, students came to understand the risk of losing certain foods without pollinators. Many walked away not only more knowledgeable but also motivated to advocate for pollinator protection—some even overcame their fear of bees.
This program is part of 4-H’s broader effort in Josephine County to connect with more schools and communities. Plans include expanding pollinator education and helping students build biodiverse school gardens. The goal is to nurture a generation that values pollinators and takes action to support their conservation.
