Project: Pollination and Colony Collapse Disorder
Colony collapse disorder (CCD) is a phenomenon in which many of the honeybees in a given area suddenly die. CCD erupted in North America in 2006, jeopardizing the ability of farmers to pollinate their crops sufficiently. Many experts believe that CCD is linked to the use of neonicotinoid pesticides. Others believe the problem is due to several factors, including mites, parasites, and viruses.
Assignment directions:
Research colony collapse disorder and write a news article that answers who, what, where, when, how, and why. A good place to start is the USDA's Agricultural Research Service webpage on CCD at www.ars.usda.gov. Focus on what happens when there aren't enough bees to pollinate the crops and discuss whether or not CCD has reached your area. For the second part of your article, interview one or two apiarists (beekeepers) in your state or county and ask them a few specific questions about CCD, such as if their hives have suffered from CCD, whether it has gotten better or worse in recent years, and why they think their hives have or have not been affected by it. Has it hurt their business? Has it impacted farmers or gardeners in the area? Ask more questions as you think of them. In your final news story, include several quotes from your interviewees that give your piece local information and flavor. Make sure you mention what will happen to major agriculture crops if CCD persists or worsens.
Assignment guidelines:
Your news story should be at least 900 words, and like a good piece of journalism, it should be somewhat descriptive yet stick to the point. Make sure you explain CCD accurately with proven facts and eliminate unnecessary details and opinions. Quotes from beekeepers do not have to be fact-checked, but make sure they are accurate. For instance, if a beekeeper believes his hives have collapsed because the squirrels ate them, it is probably not true but you have related what he believes, which is a tenet of good journalism. A good place to find apiarists is on the Master Beekeeper list of the Eastern Apicultural Society website. When conducting interviews, keep careful notes in worksheet form in which you list the person's name (verify spelling), date of the interview, phone number or contact info for follow-up questions, the questions you asked and the answers you received.
Submission guidelines:
Attach your interview notes to the final copy (these will not be part of the 900-word length). Include a minimum of three quotes in your story. Your story must have a headline and should stick to the facts without being unduly sensationalistic.
Question # 1
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Your news story should be at least 900 words, and like a good piece of journalism, it should be somewhat descriptive yet stick to the point. Make sure you explain CCD accurately with proven facts and eliminate unnecessary details and opinions. Quotes from beekeepers do not have to be fact-checked, but make sure they are accurate.
Attach your interview notes to the final copy (these will not be part of the 900-word length). Include a minimum of three quotes in your story. Your story must have a headline and should stick to the facts without being unduly sensationalistic.
