There’s nothing small about a third grader in a bee suit. And there’s certainly nothing small about the lessons Principia School’s third-grade beekeepers are learning from nature's busiest pollinators—honeybees. From interconnectivity and environmental stewardship to marketing—sometimes the biggest lessons come from the tiniest workers. 

The curriculum at Principia School is so intentionally intertwined into everyday learning that these 8- and 9-year-olds may not even realize they’re being taught the very essence of self-empowerment, respect for all living things, creative thinking, and entrepreneurship—all before they hit their daily juice boxes.  

Lower School at Principia is buzzing with interdisciplinary work, like the bee program, preparing them to be future-ready for Upper School and beyond. Sustainability is intentionally woven through every level at Principia, and for third graders, understanding the life cycle of bees may be the most consequential as they begin to understand what makes nature bloom.  

With the guidance from Teacher and Garden Education Coordinator Hope Gribble, students gain a deep understanding and appreciation for the species, right in Principia’s own backyard.   

“There's a lot of effort put into educating students about bees before they go out to the hives. They're getting to know this species, and that piques their curiosity, and that curiosity then can be a driver to help them overcome feeling a little bit timid,” says Gribble. 

From holding the combs and bee frames, to harvesting and selling honey and beeswax lip balm at the School Fall Festival, students discover the full-circle impact of bees and how deeply connected they are to the natural world. 

“Students’ minds are expanded,” Gribble explains, “As they think about bees, they begin to connect the environment to human health, sustainability, and how all things intersect.”  

Gribble’s focus is on the larger lessons of beekeeping—systems in nature and in humans that intersect and influence the choices we make for the planet, “There’s an action component too,” says Gribble. “That’s at the heart of Principia—where the idea of living our core value of LOVE extends beyond our human community to understanding the importance of being good stewards for the betterment of humanity, and even the world.” 

That commitment to caring for the environment comes to life when experts from the nearby Eastern Missouri Beekeeping Association step in. Bringing specialized equipment, hands-on expertise, and real-world knowledge, they give students an in-depth look at the vital role bees play in our ecosystem. 

“We partner with organizations that come in and share years of expertise, which is really impactful,” Gribble explains. “They answer questions on the fly and bring harvesting equipment after the students visit the hives, so everyone gets a chance to turn the extractor. It’s like a centrifuge, and they can see the honey pour out, which, of course, is fun, and a tasty treat for everyone.” Gribble also emphasizes the need to maintain healthy, long-lasting hives, leaving plenty of honey for the hard-working bees that depend on it for survival.

And the lessons don't stop at the hive. Once the honey is harvested and transformed into lip balm, the business unit begins where students form in-class committees to turn their product into a best seller. Adding essential oils, labeling, sourcing, and developing a marketing plan are all part of the farm-to-table process.  

“Students are recognizing there are a lot of different aspects involved in having a business, and they have to think broadly to succeed,” Gribble advises. “They understand the need to protect the habitat that supports the bees, especially the sustainability and health of the hive, but also as they think about their business. That’s where it really starts to get into the scientific elements—through the choices we make to support bees and native plants.” 

Research. Harvesting. Production. Marketing. And the delicious part—taste-testing. Phew—being a third grader can be a lot of work, but when there’s something larger on the line, work just seems like play.