How to Make a Bee Puppet

Home Education Hands on History at Home How to Make a Bee Puppet
Hands on History at Home

Bee Keeping was a very important part of life at Mount Vernon during George Washington’s time. Bees provided honey and beeswax. They also helped pollinate plants so that fruits, vegetables, and flowers could grow.

Step 1: Color

Color your bee puppet.

 

Step 2: Cut the template

Cut out the bee puppet.

 

Step 3: Give Your Bee Antennae

Make the antennae: Bend one pipe cleaner in half, and tape it to the back of the bee’s head.

 

 

Step 4: Give Your Bee Wings

Make the wings: Gently fold the other two pipe cleaners into a heart-like shape to form the wings. Tape the end of the pipe cleaners to the back of the bee’s body.

 

Step 5: Finish Your Puppet

Tape the popsicle stick to the back of the bee’s body.

 

 

This Activity is Sponsored By MARS Equestrian

Honey Bees at Mount Vernon

Bee Keeping was a very important part of life at Mount Vernon during George Washington’s time. Bees provided honey and beeswax. They also helped pollinate plants so that fruits, vegetables, and flowers could grow.

Enslaved workers such as Sambo Anderson, Davy, Nat, and Isaac all had their own bee hives and sold the extra honey. We know from primary sources that George Washington also had at least one hive of his own, since in 1787 he gave 300 nails to an indentured English carpenter to build a bee house.

There are still honey bees at Mount Vernon today! Their hives are located behind-the-scenes. Just like they did in George Washington’s day, honey bees help keep today’s  gardens and orchards healthy!

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