Bees with Backpacks

Bees with Backpacks is a program that gives students hands-on experience working with bees, technology and having a direct involvement in saving them from extinction. This program is part of a partnership between Victoria’s Tech Schools, CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency and local beekeepers and industry.

In term 4 students across the 10 tech schools were tasked with designing a campaign and idea for a bee friendly garden with space and water. This challenge helped to encourage students to think about their intended audiences and the different markets for their pitches.

With concerns of the declining bee population globally, it’s with this partnered project involving the CSIRO, other Tech Schools and an increasing number of industry partners that our student’s creativity and research, can contribute to the creation of sustainable colonies and healthy bee hives across Australia.

Design Challenge

Written by Evelyn Goh

It was the finals to the bees with backpack design challenge. A certain tension lingered in the air. Seven outstanding teams were expected to present their solutions to a panel of judges, including representatives from CSIRO and Tech Schools.

Graeme Wiggins, Director of Bendigo Tech School, opened the event with a warm welcome. Our very own Yarra Ranges Tech School Director, Ashley Krieken co-hosted the night.

You should have seen! Students excitedly presented their solutions, each demonstrating incredible innovation. Some designed an app, some attempting to market seed packs, some went with the wind; designing anemometers to combat the high wind speeds that prevent bees’ productivity.

Yarra Ranges Tech School was represented by two students, Brianna and Victoria. Brianna presented a digitalised version of her garden plan, filled with colours and features, not a plain spot could be seen. Victoria came up with a stunning stop frame animation and a poster campaign to match. Her work mesmerised the judges to the end. Victoria walked away with a glamourous ‘Market to Innovation Prize’ – winning her school 6 x Home IoT Kit + Microbits (proudly sponsored by Telstra).

There was much to take away from the event – joy, pride and most of all, hope for the future and humanity.