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Margaret Smith

So you’d like to become a beekeeper? Then you've come to the right spot. We’ve put together a series of lessons to help get you started keeping bees. Beekeeping 101 is an introduction to bees and beekeeping.

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So you’d like to become a beekeeper? Then you've come to the right spot. We’ve put together a series of lessons to help get you started keeping bees. Beekeeping 101 is an introduction to bees and beekeeping.

If you’re thinking about starting a backyard beehive or are just curious about what’s involved with keeping bees, then this is a great introductory class for you. The class is designed for absolute beginners so, no prerequisite knowledge is required. You log in knowing absolutely nothing about bees and log out ready to get started with your own backyard beehive. Scott and Margaret will teach you how the honey bee lives, discuss hive designs, and tell you lots of practical information about how to set up your first beehive.

This class will focus on natural beekeeping practices. So, even if you have read a few books, taken some other classes or already started keeping bees, this class will still have a lot to offer you.

Discover:

  • The Anatomy of Bees
  • The Honey Bee Life Cycle
  • The Role of the Drone Bee
  • The Role of the Queen Bee
  • The Role of the Worker Bee
  • Preparing Your Beehive
  • Installing A Package of Bees
  • Feeding Bees
  • Keeping Records
  • The Beehive Inspection
  • And much more

In addition, we're including a Beekeeping Calendar that gives a great overview of what is happening in the hive at all times of the year. This class is full of printable guides and a hive inspection sheet to help you establish good hive inspection habits and record keeping.

Taking a beekeeping class is essential for today's beekeeper. Don't try go it on your own, let us help you ensure you have a great year of beekeeping.

Enroll now

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Choose a beehive
  • Choose appropriate beekeeping gear
  • Learn how to set up a beehive correctly
  • Learn how to feed bees when needed
  • Learn how to use a smoker
  • Learn how to add bees to a hive
  • Learn how to perform a beehive inspection

Syllabus

Welcome To Beekeeping 101
Introduction
Learn the parts of the honey bee, the types of honey bees and the life-cycle of the honey bee.
The Anatomy Of A Honey Bee
Read more
Three Types Of Honey Bees
The Life Cycle Of A Honey Bee
The Life-cycle Of A Honey Bee

This quiz will test your knowledge on the bees

Understand the clothing and tools a beekeeper needs
Beekeeper Clothing
Beekeeping Tools
Understand How To Set-up A New Beehive and the correct stacking order.
The Parts Of A Beehive and How To Stack A Hive
The Parts Of A Beehive
Labeling The Frames
How To Paint A Beehive
Understand how and when to feed the bees. Also discuss watering options.
How To Make Sugar Water
Feeding a New Package of Bees
Sugar Water Recipes
How To Install A Feeder
Keeping The Bees Fed
Watering The Bees
The student will learn how and when to use a smoker
The Beekeepers Smoker
Learn about the care the bees need as soon as they arrive
What To Do When The Bees Arrive
When The Bees Arrive
Hiving The Bees
Learn how to inspect your beehive and use a hive inspection sheet.
How To Use The Hive Inspection Sheet
The First Hive Inspection
The Queens Chamber

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on natural beekeeping practices, catering to experienced beekeepers looking for alternative approaches
Provides comprehensive information on all aspects of beekeeping, from beehive setup to hive inspection
Offers printable guides and a hive inspection sheet for practical application
Suitable for absolute beginners with no prior knowledge of beekeeping
Emphasizes the importance of taking a beekeeping class for successful beekeeping

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Beekeeping 101: An Intro to Beekeeping Class with these activities:
Review PPE fundamentals
Revisiting the fundamentals of PPE will give you the foundational knowledge you need for your beekeeping journey.
Show steps
  • Read through your textbook chapters and notes related to PPE
  • Look up online videos and articles on proper PPE usage for beekeeping.
Follow video tutorials on beehive assembly and maintenance
Following video tutorials will help you refine your skills on how to properly assemble and maintain your beehive.
Browse courses on Hive
Show steps
  • Search for video tutorials online from reputable sources on beehive assembly and maintenance
  • Watch the videos and take notes on the steps and techniques involved.
Read The Beekeeper's Bible by Richard Jones
This book provides a comprehensive overview of beekeeping, covering topics such as hive management, honey production, and pest control.
View Call of Nature on Amazon
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow a copy of The Beekeeper's Bible.
  • Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on important information.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Set up a mock beehive
Setting up a mock beehive will give you hands-on practice so you can confidently set up a real beehive on your own.
Show steps
  • Gather all the materials you need for a beehive, such as a hive box, frames, foundation, and smoker.
  • Assemble the hive box and frames according to the instructions.
  • Install the foundation into the frames.
Create a beekeeping journal
Creating a beekeeping journal will help you stay organized and keep track of everything about your beekeeping activities.
Show steps
  • Purchase a journal or notebook.
  • Create sections for different topics, such as hive inspections, honey harvesting, and beekeeping notes.
  • Regularly record your observations, data, and experiences in your journal.
Volunteer at a local beekeeping association or farm
Volunteering at a beekeeping association or farm will allow you to gain valuable hands-on experience and connect with other beekeepers.
Browse courses on Volunteering
Show steps
  • Research local beekeeping associations or farms.
  • Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Attend volunteer training or orientation.
Mentor a new beekeeper
Mentoring a new beekeeper will help you solidify your knowledge and understanding of beekeeping while also helping someone else get started in the hobby.
Show steps
  • Reach out to local beekeeping associations or clubs and offer your services as a mentor.
  • Meet with your mentee regularly to provide guidance and support.

Career center

Learners who complete Beekeeping 101: An Intro to Beekeeping Class will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Beekeeper
Beekeepers, also called Apiculturists, manage and care for honey bee colonies to produce honey and other bee products. Beekeeping 101: An Intro to Beekeeping Class can help you get started in this rewarding field by providing you with foundational knowledge about honey bees, including their anatomy, life cycle, and behavior. This knowledge will be invaluable when establishing and maintaining your own beehives.
Biological Technician
Biological Technicians conduct experiments and analyze data to support research in various fields, including agriculture and environmental science. Beekeeping 101: An Intro to Beekeeping Class can provide you with foundational knowledge about honey bees, including their anatomy, life cycle, and behavior. This knowledge will be valuable when assisting with research projects involving honey bees.
Entomologist
Entomologists study insects, including honey bees. Beekeeping 101: An Intro to Beekeeping Class can help you develop a solid foundation in entomology by providing you with foundational knowledge about honey bees, including their anatomy, life cycle, and behavior. This knowledge will be valuable when identifying and studying honey bees and other insects.
Laboratory Technician
Laboratory Technicians conduct experiments and analyze data in various settings, including agricultural and environmental laboratories. Beekeeping 101: An Intro to Beekeeping Class can provide you with foundational knowledge about honey bees and how to collect and analyze data related to their health and behavior. This knowledge will be valuable when working in a laboratory setting that involves honey bees.
Agricultural Inspector
As an Agricultural Inspector, you will ensure that agricultural products meet food safety standards, including honey. Beekeeping 101: An Intro to Beekeeping Class can help you succeed in this role by providing you with foundational knowledge on the life cycle, anatomy, and behavior of honey bees. This knowledge will be valuable when inspecting beehives and assessing the health of bee colonies.
Farm Manager
Farm Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of farms, including beekeeping operations. Beekeeping 101: An Intro to Beekeeping Class can provide you with foundational knowledge about honey bees, including their anatomy, life cycle, and behavior. This knowledge will be invaluable when managing beehives and producing honey.
Animal Scientist
An Animal Scientist studies and improves the health and well-being of animals, including bees. Beekeeping 101: An Intro to Beekeeping Class can provide you with foundational knowledge about honey bees, including their anatomy, life cycle, and behavior. This knowledge will be valuable when studying honey bee genetics, nutrition, and disease.
Honey Grader
Honey Graders assess the quality and color of honey. Beekeeping 101: An Intro to Beekeeping Class can provide you with foundational knowledge about different types of honey and how to evaluate their quality. This knowledge will be valuable when grading honey and determining its market value.
Quality Control Inspector
Quality Control Inspectors ensure the quality of products, including food products like honey. Beekeeping 101: An Intro to Beekeeping Class can provide you with foundational knowledge about honey bees and honey production. This knowledge will be valuable when inspecting honey and ensuring that it meets quality standards.
Pollination Specialist
Pollination Specialists manage and improve the pollination of crops and other plants. Beekeeping 101: An Intro to Beekeeping Class can provide you with foundational knowledge about honey bees and other pollinators. This knowledge will be valuable when developing and implementing pollination management programs that improve crop yields and support biodiversity.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists study the environment and work to protect it. Beekeeping 101: An Intro to Beekeeping Class can provide you with foundational knowledge about honey bees and other pollinators. This knowledge will be valuable when developing and implementing environmental conservation programs that protect honey bees and their habitats.
Researcher
Researchers conduct studies and analyze data to advance scientific knowledge. Beekeeping 101: An Intro to Beekeeping Class can provide you with foundational knowledge about honey bees and beekeeping. This knowledge will be valuable when conducting research on honey bees and other pollinators.
Science Teacher
Science Teachers educate students in various scientific disciplines, including biology and environmental science. Beekeeping 101: An Intro to Beekeeping Class can provide you with foundational knowledge about honey bees and their importance in the ecosystem. This knowledge will be valuable when teaching students about pollination, biodiversity, and the environment.
Veterinarian
Veterinarians diagnose and treat diseases and injuries in animals, including honey bees. Beekeeping 101: An Intro to Beekeeping Class can provide you with foundational knowledge about honey bees and their health. This knowledge will be valuable when diagnosing and treating bee diseases and ensuring the health of honey bee colonies.
Zoologist
Zoologists study animals and their behavior, including honey bees. Beekeeping 101: An Intro to Beekeeping Class can provide you with foundational knowledge about honey bees and their role in the ecosystem. This knowledge will be valuable when studying honey bees and other insects in their natural habitats.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Beekeeping 101: An Intro to Beekeeping Class.
This comprehensive guide to beekeeping covers everything from the basics to more advanced topics like queen rearing and swarm control. It's a great resource for both new and experienced beekeepers.
Comprehensive guide to beekeeping, covering everything from the basics to more advanced topics.
Great introduction to beekeeping, covering everything from choosing the right bees to harvesting honey. It's written in a clear and concise style, making it easy to understand even for beginners.
Practical guide to beekeeping in the backyard. It covers everything from choosing the right equipment to harvesting honey.

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