Learning from Outside

WeiWei Gao

The kid is trying to look closer at the bee. However, the bee thinks the kid is going to burn him with the magnifying glass.

In the article “City Gives Green Light to Beekeeping” published by North Shore News on May 29^th, people living in North Vancouver are now allowed to keep bees in their own house as a hobby or for educational purposes. Some people are excited about the news, because education about the environment can be taught in the garden, and not only in the bee-farm of a countryside. On the other hand, some people are against the bylaw because of allergic action.

I do not agree that keeping bees in house is a good way of educating the public. First of all, it is unsafe for people who are allergic to bee stings. Even though people will be taught about how to manage their bees, no one can be sure that accidents will not happen. For example, children always like to play soccer in the garden, and they may hit the hive. Can you expect bees to understand human apologizies, and not attack the kids? Secondly, it is indisputable that the best place to educate people is in the external environment. People can not only can see bees, but also interact with other wild animals. Why not take one day off, and enjoy the nature with your family? If the person really want to keep bees as a hobby, it is better for he/she to live in countryside.