Article
Washington State University

Washington State University: Ask Dr. Universe: Why Do Bees Make Hexagons?

For Students 3rd - 8th
Apparently bees are geometry masterminds. Who knew? Find out why bees make hives out of a collection of hexagons.
Unit Plan
TED Talks

Ted: Ted Ed: Why Do Honeybees Love Hexagons?

For Students 9th - 10th
Zack Patterson and Andy Peterson delve into the very smart geometry behind the honeybee's home. [3:58]
Lesson Plan
Illustrative Mathematics

Illustrative Mathematics: G Mg Hexagonal Pattern of Beehives

For Teachers 9th - 10th Standards
Beehives are made of walls, each of the same size, enclosing small hexagonal cells where honey and pollen are stored and bees are raised. This problem examines some of the mathematical advantages of the hexagonal tiling in a beehive....