Webinar: Nature Based Learning with Native Bees

As humans we are biologically wired to be drawn to nature and have a tendency to seek connections with nature and other living things. In our digital age, this has never been more important! As early childhood educators and directors, we are reminded daily that children need a regular digital detox, to get outside and connect with nature. By planning fun, nature-based learning lessons kids can learn lifelong skills and appreciate screen free time.

As a teacher, Steve Maginnity has a passion for introducing educators and children to nature by using Australian native (stingless) bees in the classroom. He encourages educational facilities to introduce native bee hives in their garden design, and incorporate important nature-based life skills in the classroom.

Steve will be joined by Early Childhood Lecturers, Kelli-Anne Price and Dr Alicia Philips from University of New England (UNE), who will present research and experience supporting the benefits of nature based learning in early childhood services.

This free webinar is designed for the early childhood community, educators, directors and owners, to help inspire you to introduce more nature, specifically Australian native bees, to your classroom environment. Don’t miss it! Register now.

Did you know:

Native bees are stingless, produce small amounts of delicious honey, and are fascinating to watch as they help your garden thrive.
Native bees contribute to biodiversity, sustainability, and the production of delicious native bee honey.
Native bees play a significant role in pollinating plants, leading to the production of fruits, nuts, and seeds.
Keeping a native bee hive at your school serves as a valuable intergenerational learning tool.

This webinar will introduce new ways to develop teaching tools with native bees and garden design. This will help children:

Develop curiosity in the natural world
Connect with nature
Understand some basics of biodiversity and sustainability in their own neighbourhood

Our Speakers

Kelli-Anne Price, Associate Lecturer, Early Childhood Education, University of New England

Kelli-Anne Price is an Early Childhood Academic and award-winning educator with a rich background in early years teaching, curriculum development, and tertiary education. She is currently an Associate Lecturer at the University of New England and a Casual Academic at the University of Tasmania, where she contributes to course design, teaching, and mentorship of pre-service teachers. With more than a decade of experience in the sector, Kelli-Anne has also worked as an Early Years Support Coordinator and Early Childhood Teacher in long day care and school-based settings. In 2014, she received a National Excellence in Teaching Award (State and Territory Recipient) in recognition of her outstanding practice. Kelli-Anne has a special interest in educational leadership, innovative approaches to documentation and programming, and inclusive education. She is passionate about fostering reflective, relational pedagogy and empowering future educators through high-quality initial teacher education.

Dr Alicia Philips, Senior Lecturer, Early Childhood Education, University of New England

Dr. Alicia Phillips, Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at the University of New England, has over 20 years of experience in education, driven by her commitment to enhancing the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector. Her career spans universities, government organisations, schools, and early childhood services. Alicia’s research focuses on improving ECEC quality in Australia and globally, examining factors that enhance or diminish quality and that impact child outcomes. In 2023, she received the Faculty of Education Early Years Researcher of the Year award from Southern Cross University.

Alicia is recognised for her expertise in developing and delivering professional learning, frequently presenting at national and international conferences. Her teaching excellence has been honored with multiple awards, including the 2020 SCU School of Education Professional Experience Teaching Excellence Award, 2016 SCU Teacher Commendations for student engagement, and the 2015 University of Sydney Faculty of Education and Social Work Teaching Excellence Award.

Steve Maginnity, Australian Native Bee Company

Steve has been into native bees since 2008. Steve studied Agricultural Science and did a Graduate Diploma in Education in order to become an Agriculture teacher and taught agriculture and science for over a decade. His interest in native bees started whilst attending a European bee keeping course. He had intended on getting two hives for the school where he was teaching, to use as an educational tool, however, due to the risk of students suffering anaphylaxis from bee stings he couldn’t bring European honey bees on the school grounds. He then did as much research as he could on native bees and the more he learnt the more he fell in love with native bees. His interest and passion for native bees continues to grow. He now runs the Australian Native Bee Company where he sells hives, offers a pollination service and provides educational talks to educational facilities and community groups up and down the East Coast of Australia.

Contact the host of Webinar: Nature Based Learning with Native Bees