Video 4 of the Pollination Unit. This video segment delves into the complex world of agricultural pest control and its unintended effects on beneficial insects like honey bees. Students are introduced to common farm pests, such as aphids, which cause significant damage to crops and are a primary reason farmers use pesticides. However, the segment highlights a critical issue: the same chemicals intended to protect crops from aphids inadvertently endanger honey bees, crucial agents of pollination. Exposure to pesticides can lead to bees becoming disoriented, ill, or even dying, which has broader implications for our food supply, given bees' role in pollinating many of the fruits and vegetables we consume. The segment further explores the interplay between bees and other pests like Varroa mites, which can weaken bees further, especially those already stressed by pesticide exposure. Through this exploration, the video aims to foster a deeper understanding among children of the delicate balance in our ecosystems, where actions taken to solve one problem can inadvertently create others, especially in the context of agricultural practices and environmental health.

Originally released by Fuelblue, 2024. Streaming video file encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on May 23, 2024.