NCSCE and KQED are partnering on Do Now U, a project that engages undergraduate students in online discussion through social media about current scientific issues.
This week’s Do Now U asks, “Should We Use Drones to Pollinate Crops?”
The post, written by Natalia Font, Kyler White and Kasandra Perez, students at Marian University, asks readers if we should use drones to pollinate crops.
Supporters of the drones argue that these insect-sized robots will help the honey bees do their job more effectively and efficiently. Bees are currently being shipped around the country to pollinate crops. The “bee drones” could eventually reduce the need to move an ever-dwindling population of bees around the country. Opponents of using “bee” drones argue that the drones will interfere with natural processes or lessen the concern about the decline of bee populations. They also argue that it will also cost an enormous amount of money.
What do you think? Should we start using drones to pollinate crops?
Join the Conversation!
Engage your students in the conversation about the benefits and drawbacks of de-extinction Students can share their thoughts directly in the post’s comment section, or post their thoughts on Twitter by using the hashtag #DoNowUDrone. Explore previous Do Now U posts to spark dialogue among your students.
Photograph: Jim Eklund/USDA