Bees in Urban Settings

Abstract

This research involving urban high school students offers predictions about how pollinator friendly plants and gardens enhance the expansion of bee populations. These studies provide a sustainable rate of growth in helping to increase bee populations in urban areas. I had used qualitative methods research for my methodology for gaining perspectives of six teenaged urban participants from The Farm School, located in Airdrie, Alberta. Quantitative research involved students’ participation in some field work which generated numerical data for pedagogical purposes. The purpose of my research being connected to citizen science along with experiential learning aimed to collect data drawing students’ attention to the effects of dwindling bee populations and the resulting implications on our food supplies. Students were introduced to simple botany and apiculture as related to learning about bees and the benefits of urban gardening. In this research, Husserl’s phenomenological research method provides evidence of lived experiences. The findings of this project were affirmative as active participation of urban high school students could enhance bee populations by contributing to citizen science. This project has scope for replication with various age demographics for foreseeable benefits.