Here too, I've worked hard to minimize any potential bee related risks the employees could be exposed to by installing additional back up safety mechanisms and putting the exit/entrance up and away from potential interactions. Six wood pieces and two Plexiglas pieces comprise the hive. In theory, only simple tools such as a drill and a handsaw are required to build the unit, but power tools are still very handy to use if they are available to you. I do have a 5-frame OB hive, similar to your Bontera set-up, that's permanently installed in my office. The Observation Hive with an Optional Entrance. After this I put another screen (about 1/2 of an inch separates them) under the Ulster hive to ensure feeding couldn't occur through the screens and to make it easy to check before moving. All went well but it could have been an absolute disaster. They got loose in my car and I capped off the bottom before the presentations. Unknown to me I did have some hitchhikers (100+) under the screen of my Ulster hive the first time I presented. I am probably overly cautious but I know bees freak some people out so I try to be concious, and careful of this. It's a private school so I don't know if their regs are different than the others. I did it for my kids school with a Ulster hive and a bunch of other touch and feel items. Personally and professionally, I think it should be done. When teaching future beekeepers, pull a frame from the nuc and place it in the observation hive. Beekeepers bring observation hives to various events, such as farmers markets, street fairs, school visits and other learning opportunities. This could be done but it would have to be done right. Observation Hives Temporary observation hives are great teaching tools for both adults and children. It would only take one curious boy to accidentally break that hive and yes, 9 times out of 10 it would be a boy. Still, I'm all for observation hives if they are under constant adult supervision at all times and I mean, at all times. I can literally hear the legal questions in my head: Did you inform the parents, did you have permission slips signed by the parents with informed consent, etc. make this prospect a law suit nightmare or a lawyer's dream suit. On the other hand, students and adults who may or may not have anaphalactic allergies to bee stings, etc. The opportunity to expand the classroom with some hands-on activities would teach a lesson that the kids could remember for the rest of their lives. I think observation hives that are safe and secure are a fabulous idea for elementary classrooms.
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