CAASPP Success - Grade 4 ELA Performance Task #3

Source #1: "The Role of Bees in Pollination and Agriculture"
Bees are some of the most important helpers in nature, especially when it comes to growing the food we eat. They are known as pollinators, which means they help plants make fruits, seeds, and vegetables by moving pollen from one flower to another. This process is crucial for plants like apples, blueberries, and pumpkins. Without bees, many of these plants wouldn’t be able to produce the foods we love.
Honey bees are especially good at pollination because they work together in large groups. A single honey bee colony can have up to 60,000 bees! Each worker bee can visit thousands of flowers in just one day. They collect nectar and pollen, which they bring back to their hive to feed their young. This busy activity helps plants produce fruit and seeds, which is vital for growing crops.
Bees don’t just help us grow food; they also have a big impact on the economy. In the United States, bee pollination is worth more than $15 billion each year. Crops like almonds, apples, and melons rely almost entirely on bee pollination. For example, California’s almond industry needs over two million bee colonies every year to pollinate its trees. Without these bees, it would be much harder—and more expensive—to grow almonds and other crops.

Source #2: "Why Are Bees in Decline?"

In recent years, bee populations around the world have been declining at an alarming rate. There are several reasons for this decline, and it’s affecting not only honey bees but also many other types of wild bees, like bumblebees. Understanding what’s causing these problems is important because bees are crucial for pollinating the plants that produce much of our food.

Habitat Loss

One of the biggest reasons bees are struggling is habitat loss. As cities expand and farmland becomes more intensive, many of the wild spaces that bees need to find food and shelter are disappearing. For example, bees rely on a variety of flowering plants that bloom throughout the year. When these plants are replaced by buildings, roads, or large fields of single crops, bees lose their sources of food. Without enough flowers, bees can’t gather the nectar and pollen they need to survive.

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Pesticides and Chemicals

Another major problem for bees is the use of pesticides and other chemicals in farming and gardening. Some of these chemicals can be harmful to bees, affecting their ability to navigate, forage, and reproduce. Neonicotinoids, a type of pesticide, have been particularly harmful to bee populations. These chemicals can make it hard for bees to find their way back to their hives and can even weaken their immune systems, making them more vulnerable to disease.

Climate Change

Climate change is also playing a role in bee decline. Warmer temperatures and changes in weather patterns can affect when flowers bloom and how much food is available for bees. For instance, if flowers bloom earlier than usual due to a warmer spring, the bees may not be active yet and miss out on important food sources. This mismatch can disrupt the delicate balance that bees and plants have evolved over time.

Diseases and Parasites

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Bees are also facing threats from diseases and parasites. The Varroa mite, for example, is a tiny parasite that attaches itself to bees and can spread deadly viruses throughout a hive. These mites weaken the bees, making it harder for them to survive and thrive. Managed bee colonies, like those kept by beekeepers, are especially at risk because they often have high numbers of bees living close together, making it easier for diseases and parasites to spread.

What Can We Do to Help?

Even though the decline of bee populations is a big and complex problem, there are things we can do to help. Planting a variety of flowers in gardens, yards, and parks can provide bees with the food they need throughout the year. Reducing the use of harmful pesticides and supporting organic farming practices also makes a big difference. Additionally, protecting and restoring wild spaces, such as meadows and woodlands, can help provide the habitats bees need to thrive.

By understanding the challenges bees face and taking action to protect them, we can help ensure that these important pollinators continue to play their crucial role in our environment and food supply.