Pollination is a critical ecological process that plays a vital role in the reproduction of many plants, including crops essential for human consumption. Pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, are responsible for transferring pollen from the male structures of flowers to the female structures, allowing for fertilization and the production of seeds. The importance of pollinators cannot be overstated, as nearly 75% of the world's crops depend on pollinators for reproduction. Without these tiny helpers, our food system would be severely impacted, and our diets would be limited to a few staple crops that do not require pollination. Therefore, protecting and conserving pollinators is crucial to ensure continued food production and the maintenance of healthy ecosystems.

This lesson plan has two levels: one lesson that could be played by primary students or less athletic lower elementary students. In the first game, the students will be the flowers, and the balls will be the bees. This game ensures that everyone, especially those who need it, will feel more comfortable catching it because they will get lots of practice. This is a teamwork-based game where instead of throwing dodgeballs to eliminate players, students are throwing to ensure that their teammates can catch the ball.

The second game for your advanced lower elementary or upper elementary class is a dynamic tag-based game that requires lots of teamwork and communication by the pollinator team. Both games reinforce concepts of pollination and fit well into any botany studies your class may be doing.

Materials

·      Game #1

o   An ample open space such as a gym or field. However, this game can be played in a smaller area like a classroom.

o   A large number of dodgeballs or softer catchable ball

·      Game #2

o   An ample open space such as a gym or field.

o   Six pairs of hula hoops with matching colors (red, yellow, orange, blue, green, and purple)

o   Six pairs of dodgeballs that match the colors of the hula hoops

o   Pinnies or jerseys to identify the predators

o   Optional:

§  A timer and scoreboard that is visible to the students

Minimum Number of Students Needed:

The first game could be played with five or six students, but they are more fun with an entire class of twenty or more. The second game requires a whole class of twenty or more students to play correctly.

Prior Knowledge: The students should have learned about parts of a flower or pollination. However, this game could also introduce those concepts.