Describe in detail what you need	Worksheet of Informational Text and identify at least three pieces of explicit evidence and potential inference.for 6th grade DOK 3: Five Items as guided Practice
How many pages	3

Informational Text Worksheet

Grade Level: 6th Grade

Depth of Knowledge Level: 3

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Instructions

Read the informational text provided below. As you read, identify three pieces of explicit evidence and make inferences based on the text. After reading, respond to the guided practice questions.

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Informational Text: The Importance of Bees

Bees are among the most vital creatures on our planet. They play a crucial role in pollinating a majority of the food crops that humans rely on. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), bees contribute to the pollination of many fruits, vegetables, and nuts. This pollination is essential not only for food production but also for the overall health of ecosystems.

Historically, bees have been around for more than 100 million years. Their existence is intricately linked to flowering plants. Without bees, many of these plants would struggle to reproduce, which would lead to a decline in plant diversity. This decline has serious repercussions, as fewer plants mean less habitat for other wildlife and diminished food sources for insects, birds, and mammals that depend on these flora.

In recent years, however, bee populations have been declining at an alarming rate. Factors contributing to this decline include habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and diseases. Researchers are concerned that if these trends continue, the consequences will be dire: increased food prices, reduced biodiversity, and a disrupted food chain.

Beekeeping has emerged as a potential solution to reverse the decline in bee populations. Many urban and rural communities are starting to engage in beekeeping practices. Educational programs are teaching people about the importance of bees and how to care for them. These programs aim to empower communities to contribute to bee conservation efforts actively while reaping the benefits of local honey production.

In addition to the ecological importance of bees, they also significantly contribute to the economy. The National Farmers Union estimates that bees contribute over $15 billion in crop value annually in the United States. This suggests that protecting bee populations is not only crucial for environmental health but also for economic sustainability. As bees continue to face threats, it is essential for society to take collective action to ensure their survival.

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Guided Practice: Explicit Evidence and Inferences

1. Explicit Evidence 1

• Evidence: “According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), bees contribute to the pollination of many fruits, vegetables, and nuts.”
• Inference: If bees are critical for pollination, their decline could lead to a scarcity of these food items, affecting food supply and access.

2. Explicit Evidence 2

• Evidence: “In recent years, however, bee populations have been declining at an alarming rate.”
• Inference: The alarming decline indicates that there may be significant environmental or human-caused issues leading to a potential crisis if not addressed soon.

3. Explicit Evidence 3

• Evidence: “Beekeeping has emerged as a potential solution to reverse the decline in bee populations.”
• Inference: Community engagement in beekeeping suggests that raising awareness and taking action at the local level may be effective strategies for conservation.

4. Educational Component

• How do educational programs on beekeeping contribute to bee conservation efforts?
  Use explicit evidence and your inferences to support your answer.

5. Economic Impact

• Reflect on the economic contributions of bees mentioned in the text. Discuss why their survival is essential not only for the environment but also for the economy.

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Conclusion

Understanding the role of bees in our ecosystem not only informs us about environmental issues but also highlights the interconnectedness of nature and economy. Through careful reading and analysis, we can draw conclusions that are vital for advocating change and protecting these critical pollinators.

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Note to Educators

Encourage students to discuss their findings and share ideas about how they can personally contribute to bee conservation in their local communities. This will reinforce the connection between the text and real-world applications.