MSU Tollgate Farm Pollinator Project
What are pollinators, and why are they important to us? How can we help pollinators? The MSU Tollgate Farm Pollinator Project uses inquiry learning to explore the importance of pollinators in our world and how we can help them. The Pollinator Project is a place-based learning extension of a farm visit called Plants and Their Partners which focuses on the interdependence of plants and animals including plants, pollinators, and pollination. It is aligned with the Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards. For more information on which standards, scroll to the bottom of the page.
During school closures, The Pollinator Project is being offered as a series of video segments, accompanying student journal pages, activities, and resources. With project-based learning, students explore and investigate pollinators and pollination in their own backyards as they connect with MSU Tollgate Farm educational staff. Learners are encouraged to engage in a sustained action project which includes planning and planting a pollinator-friendly planting.
The MSU Tollgate Farm Pollinator Project Video Series and Follow Along Worksheets
Interested in starting a pollinator garden with kids? The MSU Tollgate Farm Pollinator Project for elementary school students explores ideas and resources for place-based learning about plants, pollinators, and pollination. Click on the video screenshots to view them on YouTube. Follow along worksheets are linked below.
Part 1 What is a Pollinator, and Why Are Pollinators Important to Us?
In this segment we ask the driving questions, 'What is a pollinator, and why are they important to us?', meet the bees, and begin an investigation of how we can help our pollinator friends.
Part 2 How Do Flowers Attract Pollinators?
Part 3 How Can We Help Pollinators?
Pollinator Gardening with Children Virtual School Garden Webinar
School and community gardeners, join us for this workshop to explore some ideas and resources for place-based learning about plants, pollinators, and pollination.
The MSU Tollgate Farm Pollinator Project is aligned with the following 1st and 2nd grade standards:
Next Generation Science Standards:
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1-LS1-1 |
Plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs |
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1-LS1-2 |
Plants have patterns in their behavior of parents and offspring that help offspring survive. |
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2-LS2-2 |
Plants depend on animals and insects for pollination and to move their seeds around. |
Science and Engineering Practices: 1, 3
Crosscutting Concepts: 1
Common Core English Language Arts Standards:
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ELA-LITERACY.RI.1.6 |
Distinguish between information provided by pictures or other illustrations and information provided by the words in a text. |
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ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.3 |
Ask and answer questions about what a speaker says in order to gather additional information or clarify something that is not understood. |
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ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.3 |
Ask and answer questions about what a speaker says in order to clarify comprehension, gather additional information, or deepen understanding of a topic or issue. |
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