If you go hunting for the scientist responsible for discovering that honey bees see in color, you’ll undoubtedly come upon Nobel prize winner Karl von Frisch. But he wasn’t the first to make the discovery – the first Black entomologist Charles Henry Turner was. As art teachers, Black History Month is a time to focus on celebrating and elevating the incredible achievements of Black artists. So I wanted to bring another amazing person to light with this honey bee art project – a Black scientist who lit the way for so many who came after him with his insatiable love of bugs.
What are gel sticks?
This project uses gel sticks, gel crayons, or watercolors.
Gel sticks and gel crayons function almost identically. They are little sticks of color that almost look like chapstick or lipstick tubes. Color with them and add some water and they turn into beautiful and vibrant watercolors. You can also smear them around like oil pastels. Sometimes you’ll see them called gelatos – those are Faber Castells upgraded and adult-packaged gel sticks. You can use those too.
The gel crayon versions come in a wider variety of colors than gel sticks – neon and shimmery ones will elevate your art time for sure.
Here are my favorites (Amazon links are afflinks):
When subjects collide…
These science, art, and history combos are my absolute favorites. This guided drawing of the bee teaches students the different parts of an insect (did you know that honeybees have tibias?). It’s the nerd in me, and the quest to never stop learning, growing, and changing.
I often hear art being billed as an extracurricular activity – less important than math or language arts. I don’t believe it for a second. I’ve always viewed art as the glue. Children and adults both synthesize information during the creative process. And they also love to see things around them – just like these bees.
If you’re ready to make a honey bee of your own, click the banner below to download the complete lesson plan. It’s 8 pages bound to combine art, science, and history – and I encourage you to make one too!
We would love it if you’d share!
Don’t forget to tag us at @soulsparklettes on social media if you make this honey bee art project with your kids or students – we love to see what you create!
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This is only one of the many diverse art lessons in the Glitterbombers Membership. Hundreds more art projects, videos, and resources at your fingertips for whatever you’re studying, or whatever art concept you’re ready to teach. Head here to hop on the waitlist and find out when we open next!