BEES

Bees Source Code

What is it?
This project illustrates how bees create honeycombs. Each bee moves around randomly, dropping a chemical behind itself as it moves. The amount of chemical present on the bee's current patch determines how far the bee turns and moves. 
How to Use It
Select the number of bees you wish to create by adjusting the number slider. Click on setup to set the bees up. Then click on go to run the simulation.  Bees Interface

 

Things to Notice
The bees begin in the center of the screen and gradually spread out. As the simulation runs you will notice shapes appearing -- first circular and then hexagonal honeycombs appear. The honeycomb shape emerges out of the interactions between bees and the chemical trails the bees leave behind. 

 

Explorations
  • Whether or not the honeycombs are formed depends on the number of bees. Try changing the number of bees to see what happens to the honeycombs. 
  • As the simulation runs, try changing the number to see how bee "birth" or "death" effects the honeycomb formation. 

 

 

We welcome your feedback and suggestions! Please send us email