Beekeepers show Waterman families how to 'Bee a Scientist'

The Cranston Herald ·

There was an excited buzz at Daniel D. Waterman Elementary school on Nov. 9 as the community gathered together for a unique science night event.

Jim Holt and Jaime Nash, two local beekeepers visited the school to share their knowledge of beekeeping. Holt is the husband of Waterman teacher, Lynn Holt.

In addition to the beekeepers’ station, the night’s events included two other stops in the all-purpose room as well. Families had the opportunity to “buzz” on over to the science experiment station, which involved the transfer of pollen, and then had the chance to make a “bee-utiful” craft, a paper bag honeybee puppet.

Once finished in the cafeteria, guests just had to follow the paper trail of bees from the cafeteria to the library, “bee-ing” sure to note the “sweet” messages of positivity (bee happy) along the way. Upon arriving in the library, there was an opportunity to “bee” a reader, with books available for perusing that incorporated the bee theme, bee coloring pages, and one-on-one time with the beekeepers, Holt and Nash. There were also samples of Holt’s pure honey available.

Visitors to the beekeeper table learned about the different types of bees in a hive, including worker bees, drones and queen bees. They also were able to see the equipment used in beekeeping up close, such as a smoker and a brood box, and had the chance to have their questions answered by the experts.

When asked how this unique event came to “bee,” it came about as a way to gather more Waterman families for events at the school. With a local beekeeper in the school community, the makings were there for a good opportunity to host a new and different family science night.

“We have been trying to have more family events at the school,” said teacher Kristie Cipalone. “This is the first one of the year, and we’re hoping to have more as the year goes on.”