Living St. Louis: Charles Henry Turner's Study of Bees
The video "Living St. Louis: Charles Henry Turner's Study of Bees" explores the groundbreaking work of Charles Henry Turner, an African-American scientist known for his pioneering research in animal behavior, especially in bees. Born after the Civil War, Turner excelled in his studies despite racial barriers and made significant contributions to insect cognition by investigating bees' recognition of colors and patterns, emphasizing field observations. His insights predated modern understanding of cognition, challenging the belief that animal behavior was purely instinctual. Although Turner never gained a professorship at a major university, his 70+ scientific papers laid foundations for later developments in the field. Amidst his scientific achievements, Turner was also an active advocate for civil rights, stressing education as a solution to racial problems. His story is inspirational for school-aged children interested in science and history, highlighting perseverance and the impact of diversity on scientific progress.
Media Details
Runtime: 6 minutes 28 seconds
- Topic: Counseling and Self-Help, History, Science, Social Science
- Subtopic: African-Americans, Animal Behavior, Civil Rights, Human Behavior, Insects
- Grade/Interest Level: 7 - 12
- Release Year: 2021
- Producer/Distributor: Nine PBS
- Series: Living St. Louis
- Report a Problem
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