Have you ever had two teachers who doubled as certified beekeepers? What about dissected a beehive to see (and taste) fresh honeycombs? Or, suited up with some of New Jersey’s best apiarists to explore how the honey bee is invaluable to our biodiversity?
Through NextTerm, a groundbreaking three-week mini-semester that offers an experiential, interdisciplinary academic experience with real-world implications, The Hun School of Princeton students are exploring how the honey bee is deeply connected to human culture and how humans can work to preserve its existence.
To the general population, the sight or sound of a bee sends most into a state of fear. To Hun students of the course, “The 3 B’s: The Beauty, Biology, and Business of Bees,” bees are far from dangerous – they are a sign of successful agriculture, key players in the world’s beauty industry, and a business opportunity.
Each year, the population of Earth’s pollinators decreases dramatically, putting both global and local businesses at risk. In this course, students learn to be responsible honey bee advocates and do their part to spread the word about how honey bees are vital to a flourishing planet.
For three weeks this past May, students worked closely with Mill Creek Apiary hosted on Princeton Lavender Farm, Jean Miller, Cornell University Master Beekeeper, and Howell Living History Farm. Students had firsthand experience keeping a hive, extracting honey, and learning about the different roles and responsibilities of bees.
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