Beekeeping and Entomology | Tennessee 4-H Youth Development

Discover the fascinating world of insects and their arthropod relatives through the 4-H Entomology and Beekeeping Project. You’ll explore insects found in gardens, homes, soil, and even on pets—learning how they live, grow, and interact with the environment. Dive into the important role of pollinators like bees, and explore their impact on agriculture and ecosystems.

Whether you’re collecting bugs, building a bee habitat, or studying life cycles, this project is full of hands-on experiences that build scientific knowledge and observation skills.

Ready to get started? If you’re already enrolled in 4-H, jump in and begin your exploration. Not a member yet? Contact your county Extension office to join and start your journey today!

Beekeeping and Entomology Toolkit

Beginning: 1-2 years in the Project

Intermediate: 3-5 years in the Pro ject

Advanced: 6-9 years in the Project

Follow the links below to find some great online resources for your project.

Safely collect and identify 10 local insects using a labeled display box.
Observe bugs in your yard or garden and record what they look like, eat, and where they live.
Create a shelter for beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings using natural materials.
Draw or craft a model of an insect showing its body parts (head, thorax, abdomen).
Choose an insect (like a butterfly or beetle) and create a simple poster showing its life stages.
Make a list or booklet of plants that attract bees and other pollinators.
Learn the parts of a bee and draw or label a diagram.
Compare different types of honey and describe the taste, color, and texture.
Tour a bee farm or invite a beekeeper to talk about their work.
Design a simple garden layout using pollinator-friendly plants.