Prototyped alveoli for beehives

Learning goals
Observing behavior
Learning to face challenges and to solve problems using creativity and ingenuity.
Explore the possibilities of 3D Printing applied to biology
3D designing with Solidworks
Develop a project from concept to completion.
The development of teamwork and relationships skills outside student’s personal environment/ethnic group.
Motivate students to find, explore and understand the relationships between bees with other curriculum subjects, like Mathematics, Geometry, Biology etc.

Time indication
A few weeks

Type of education
A group of students studying the exploration module
“Creation and technological innovation”
Level of education: 10th Grade

Education toolbox
Which design program do you use?
Solidworks

Which other tools and equipment do you need?
Infrared camera
Sensors

Theme/Subject
Mathematics
Biology

Project description
Special request made to this group of students
Replace the wax framework usually used by alveoli made with a 3D printer.
We will examine the bees behavior using this kind of alveoli with an infrared camera.
The aim is to save time with the honey production.
Starting Point: the Beehive and the standard framework

Installation of a little group of connected beehives, in the school enclosure. The goal is to optimize the honey production and examine the bees behavior. Replace the wax framework usually used by alveoli made with a 3D printer. We will examine the bees behavior using this kind of alveoli with in infrared camera. The aim is to save time with the honey production. Subcontracting: Examine the bees feedback. A group of sensors and an infrared camera will be installed by students of Terminale Science and Technology of Industry and Sustainable Development (STI2D) in order to observe the bees' reaction to these new alveoli.

Goal: Substitution of the wax by 3D printer made alveoli at different stages in order to watch the bees response.

Subcontracting: Examine the bees feedback
A group of sensors and an infrared camera will be installed by students of Terminale Science and Technology of Industry and Sustainable Development (STI2D) in order to observe the bees' reaction to these new alveoli.

Activities in progress

Analyze and draw lozenges and cells at different stages on an area of 200 x 200 mm in different materials
Analysis: Mathematics on the geometrical shapes of the alveoli

Outline of alveoli under construction with SOLIDWORKS