My project goal
For this project, our thinking skill was contextualization. I wanted to show how the pesticides our country is using is affecting the bees downfall. My goal was to educate people about the harsh toxins we're putting on our produce. I interviewed a hydroponics stand and found out exactly how we could save the bees, and I also found out why people use pesticides instead of hydroponics, and the only reason is what our people lack - money. For contextualization, I researched how harmful these pesticides are for the bees and the rest of our environment, but I also took into consideration how the farmers need to make profit from what they do. The bees help our ecosystem with their honey, pollination, and they supply food sources for other animals and insect by pollinating. Their slow, yet sure downfall is a crisis in our nation. Although this is what most people see, the farmers go through a crucial amount of physical labor, planting, weather planning and manufacturing. All of this goes into providing our nation with fresh, plentiful produce that we need. As a job for a farmer, their goal is to make a profit from selling what they grow, so who can blame them for using this pesticide that helps them provide for their economy? Even though the pesticide is being consistently protested, our science field is growing every day, so maybe there's hope for a healthy alternative to help save the bees.
what my project focused on
The bees are disappearing and the common question is, why?
between the harsh pesticides being used and the effects they give the bees, their numbers are dropping. the solution is not as easy as you think.
I looked into the idea of getting rid of a bad pesticide first-called neonicotinoids. The UK banned the worst three neonics in 2013, but the US didn't do the same. I wanted to know what was holding us back. If the pesticide was really that bad, then what were we waiting for? Well the answer isn't so simple.
The ideas of neonicotiniods and agriculture
To see the essay I wrote about my research, click here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Agj-29SbmML1aMqRk5iyWw3utij9gbrdedJnnluD4tg/edit?usp=sharing
agricultureThe Farmers point of view
For a farmer, it's not so easy to make money. It is work and technique put into giving people the produce they need. In order to grow enough food, they have to use pesticides. The real question is why are they so toxic? Well for a farmer, they protect the crop and for them, thats the most important aspect.
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insectsThe bees point of view
We know that the bees are dropping in numbers, but the question we asked was "why?". The answer was simple-a pesticide called "neonicotinoids". This toxic pesticide was causing colony collapse disorder (CCD) which was killing entire hives from only one bee. The pesticide is so toxic that it can kill the bee on sight, or even stay with the insect and travel back to the hive, wiping it out.
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the peopleThe bees voice
Since the numbers started decreasing its been noticed by the people that there needs to be a change. The people who care, are the bees only voice. When the UK banned neonicotinoids it was noticed that the US didn't feel the same about how dangerous they are. We need to keep in mind that the farmers need to do what is necessary to keep a profit while growing, but why can't we find an alternative?
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BEE ARTWORK
save the bees
I decided to do my work on cardboard for an older look and I lasered the honeycomb pattern in the board. I also laser cut and engraved the bees and the bee keeper. I painted larkspur flowers on the bottom because you can often find neonicotinoids on them. The overall painting was inspired by Tyler the Creators, "FLOWER BOY".