All About the Rusty Patch Bumblebee

Articles/Websites

Grades6, 7, 8Biology

Scientist Reviewed

Provided by SkyDay

Open Resource

What it is

This article emphasizes the importance of pollinators, specifically the Rusty Patch Bumblebee, an endangered species in Illinois.
Opportunities exist through embedded links to extend learning about the Rusty Patch Bumblebee and make connections to local climate change by examining data and interactive maps.

Teaching tips

Positives

A flow chart details the life cycle of the Rusty Patch Bumblebee while explaining the process of pollination.
Connections between changes in temperature and precipitation and the endangerment of bees are clearly laid out.
National interactive maps are embedded in the online version of the article that allow students to zoom in on Illinois and focus on their locations to see how climate change has affected the local populations of bees.
Vocabulary associated with pollination and the bumblebee life cycle is emphasized.

Prerequisites

Students should understand what an endangered species is.
In order to interact with the maps, ensure that students know their general location on a national map.
Access to a device and internet is required for interactive portions of this resource.
Broken links exist in the Footnotes 1 and 2.
Teachers can also access a PDF version of the article.

Differentiation & Implementation

Students can learn more about endangered species and the Endangered Species Act in this lesson.
To solidify the connection between extreme temperatures and climate change, students can research and graph the high temperatures for their local communities during periods of pollination to provide evidence for the declining number of bumblebees.
To extend this resource, students can design a pamphlet or poster on a local endangered species that is impacted by climate change.

From the scientist review

This resource from SkyDay provides an introduction to the endangered Rusty Patched Bumblebee. The biological and ecological data are in alignment with US Fish and Wildlife Service assessments and broader pollinator research. This resource would be a great addition to a classroom discussion on climate change.

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At a glance

Grades: 6, 7, 8
Subjects: Biology
Other types: Interactive Media
Format: PDF
Language: English
Location: North America > United States > Illinois
Provider: SkyDay
Authors: SkyDay
Published: May 16, 2025
Last updated: July 16, 2026
: Reviewed by our climate scientists How we review

Standards alignment · MS-ESS3-5. + 7 more

Core

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

MS-ESS3-5.Ask questions to clarify evidence of the factors that have caused the rise in global temperatures over the past century.
MS-ESS3-D.Human activities, such as the release of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels, are major factors in the current rise in Earth’s mean surface temperature (global warming). Reducing the level of climate change and reducing human vulnerability to whatever climate changes do occur depend on the understanding of climate science, engineering capabilities, and other kinds of knowledge, such as understanding of human behavior and on applying that knowledge wisely in decisions and activities. (MS-ESS3-5)
HS-LS4-D.2.Humans depend on the living world for the resources and other benefits provided by biodiversity. But human activity is also having adverse impacts on biodiversity through overpopulation, overexploitation, habitat destruction, pollution, introduction of invasive species, and climate change. Thus sustaining biodiversity so that ecosystem functioning and productivity are maintained is essential to supporting and enhancing life on Earth. Sustaining biodiversity also aids humanity by preserving landscapes of recreational or inspirational value. (secondary to HS-LS2-7), (HS-LS4-6)

Maine Climate Education Hub

English Language Arts

L.6-8.4Use context clues, analyze meaningful word parts, and consult general and specialized reference materials as appropriate to determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases from grade level context.
R.6-8.5Provide an accurate summary of various texts; determine the central idea(s) or theme(s) and analyze its development throughout each text.
R.6-8.7Interpret words and phrases as they are used in various texts, including determining technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone.

Science and Engineering

MS-LS2-1Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an ecosystem.
MS-LS2-4Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations.

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