Project 92: Look Out Honey Bees: The Discovery of Asian Giant Hornets in Canada

Student Name(s): Ayesha

School: Edmonton Islamic Academy

Grade: 4

Bibliography: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1kvfkus8jOo0rmcja8RJuxgxpEWDGtC2N

Research Topic / Main Questions:

I chose to research the giant hornets because I’m concerned about the honey industry. Honey is an important source of food and the industry provides jobs for many Canadians. Some questions we are going to explore include: What are giant hornets? Why are they a concern in North America? What should you do if you see one?

Why did you choose this topic:

I enjoy studying biology because I like animals. Having a well balanced ecosystem is important for survival. The North American bee population has been declining in recent years due to many factors such as climate change. In addition, the appearance of the giant hornets also known as the “Murderous” hornets in British Columbia has put the North American honey industry at risk. Honey bees are important for pollination and for the food industry. Without pollination, oxygen levels would be lower.

Please summarize your experience in researching this project?

Giant Hornets are hornets that come from Asia. They have arrived in British Columbia, Canada. The Vancouver Port is a huge harbour with many ships carrying cargo for exports and imports. The giant hornets were discovered in a shipping container in 2019. The giant hornets have the nickname “Murderous” hornets. They are considered an invasive species in North America.

Honey bees collect nectar and pollen from flowers. They produce honey. Honeybees are domesticated, they produce honey and wax. Wax can be used for making candles, soaps and cosmetics. Honey is important in many different ways. Honey is an important source of food. They can be in food products such as soup, sauces, salad dressings and much more. Honey can also be used for medicine. Honey is a multi-million dollar industry in North America. The industry provides jobs for many Canadians so it is important to the economy.

Giant hornets target honey bees in the food chain because they have to feed their young so they can grow strong and healthy. The giant hornets are attracted to the honey. The larger giant hornets decapitate the honey bees and feed the mid section of the body to their young. Thus, they get the nickname “murderous.”

How did you personally connect to this project?

I enjoy protecting animals. The invasive giant hornets are a danger to Canadian jobs and to the honey bees. I became concerned and more interested in them after our teacher, Mr. Gee, introduced the story to my class in social studies during a current events discussion. Protecting all living things is important part of my religion Islam.

What are your conclusions about your topic?

In conclusion, the sightings of giant hornets in North America is a real threat to the honey bee population because they are the predators in the food chain. The honeybee population is at-risk, along with the honey industry because without honey, there will be less food. The declining numbers of the honeybee colonies in North America could lead to the loss of jobs. More proactive measures should be taken by beekeepers such as having a protective wire screen to protect their beehives from predators. In Canada, detection traps have been set up to find giant hornets in British Columbia. People can contact the Department of Agriculture in their province if they see a giant hornet. Be ready to give a detailed answer about the sighting.