A new honeybee observation hive at Wunderlich Farm gives students and the community a chance to learn about the insect’s life cycle.

“The goal is to teach kids the importance of this one insect to all of nature,” said Steve Baird, Klein ISD historian and overseer of the farm, which functions as a living history museum and is located next to Doerre Intermediate School on Theiss Mail Route Road.

Baird said the hive, which was installed April 7, provides opportunities for students to learn about insect anatomy and honey production.

Baird has placed signs around the hive displaying useful information such as the different types of bees found in the hive.

The farm is part of every KISD fourth-grader’s curriculum, and other schools often plan field trips there, Baird said. The museum and hive are open to the public on the last Saturday of every month.

Baird said he was inspired to undertake this project after learning about a school district in Austin that started something similar.

He conducted research in the district to figure out the logistics and the necessary safety precautions.

After getting the approval from the school district, Baird secured funding through a $6,000 grant from the
Klein ISD Education Foundation.

In addition to the observation hive, Baird has added two more hives to the project. One hive will be used for honey production and the other is a smaller, portable observation hive he can take to different schools for study.

Baird said he hopes the hive will trigger inspiration in students.

“I’m never done learning, every day I learn something new,” Baird said. “And that’s what we try to teach the kids. Just keep researching and find something that they’re passionate about. We want to show that and spark that.”

Wunderlich Farm

18218 Theiss Mail Route Road, Spring
832-249-5800
www.kleinhistorical.com
Hours: Mon.-Fri. open to schools, Sat. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (last weekend of the month)