What is Happening to the Rusty Patched Bumblebee?

An NGSS Environmental Science Unit for Illinois Grades 6-8 , Grades 9-12 and APES.

Did you know this native pollinator has lost 80% of its range in the last 20 years? Today, it is the first native pollinator to be put on the endangered species list. Why is this happening? And why should you care?

Written in collaboration with expert NGSS writer Jesse Semeyn and the Center for Educational Initiatives at Illinois State University, ‘What is Happening to the Rusty Patched Bumblebee?’ is now available free for Illinois middle, high school and APES. This unit guides students in using science and engineering practices to make sense of the functioning of the Rusty Patched Bumblebee’s ecosystem. From data on climate change to theories of pathogen spread, students grapple with all that science knows to date and create their own model for how changes to that system are impacting this keystone species. Learning is then extended beyond the walls of the classroom when students create blog posts, engage in intergenerational conversations, and design actionable solutions to help this endangered native pollinator. Questions? Contact

Backstory
When we read this excellent NC State study published in Nature Climate Change we were inspired to bring the approach they used to Illinois schools. The study demonstrated that a rigorous NGSS unit on climate change when (i) focussed on local impacts and (ii) combined with parent engagement pieces and outdoor service projects not only taught the students to care more about climate and environment but promoted parent/guardian environmental concern too - even among those traditionally hardest to convince.