Jun 23, 2026
AC3 Bee Hunting Instructions for Building the Cone
- Michael Vegas Vazquez1,
- Jesús Castro-González2,
- Agustin Corchado2,
- Jaime Marrero Perez2,
- Martín Geria Reines2,
- Lizbeth Alvarado-Vargas2,
- Josue Alejandro Rodriguez Cordero2,
- Remi Megret Laboye2,
- Tugrul Giray2,
- Luis Aparicio Mestra2
- 1Arecibo C3, Escuela con Causa Roslina Caraballo, Departamento de educación;
- 2Arecibo C3, Universidad de Puerto Rico Recinto de Rio Piedras
Protocol Citation: Michael Vegas Vazquez, Jesús Castro-González, Agustin Corchado, Jaime Marrero Perez, Martín Geria Reines, Lizbeth Alvarado-Vargas, Josue Alejandro Rodriguez Cordero, Remi Megret Laboye, Tugrul Giray, Luis Aparicio Mestra 2026. AC3 Bee Hunting Instructions for Building the Cone. protocols.io https://dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.x54v99841v3e/v1
License: This is an open access protocol distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited
Protocol status: Working
We use this protocol and it's working
Created: June 11, 2026
Last Modified: June 23, 2026
Protocol Integer ID: 318970
Keywords: Makerlab, DIY, AC3, Bee Hunting, Makerspace, Metal Cone, geometric cone pattern into chicken wire, ac3 bee hunting instruction, ac3 bee hunting activity, part of bee tracking, practical use in bee hunting experiment, bee hunting experiment, bee tracking, metal cone, cone with an approximate height, reproducible cone structure, cone, geometric cone pattern, cone this protocol, galvanized chicken wire, chicken wire, approximate height, field observation system, accessible maker lab material,
Funders Acknowledgements:
NSF Arecibo Center for STEM Education, Computing, and Community Engagement
Grant ID: 2321760
NSF Arecibo Center for STEM Education, Computing, and Community Engagement
Grant ID: 2321761
NSF Arecibo Center for STEM Education, Computing, and Community Engagement
Grant ID: 2321759
DeepPollinator
Grant ID: 2012-67014-34999
CyInduBee
Grant ID: 2318597
Abstract
This protocol describes a step-by-step method for building a metal cone used in AC3 Bee Hunting activities. The procedure uses accessible Maker Lab materials, including poster board, measuring tools, galvanized chicken wire, wire ties, and flexible hose, to create a cone with an approximate height of 86.36 cm and a 21.5 cm diameter base.
The expected result is a stable, low-cost, and reproducible cone structure that can be used as part of bee tracking and field observation systems. By following this protocol, users should be able to accurately transfer a geometric cone pattern into chicken wire, assemble the structure safely, and reinforce it for practical use in Bee Hunting experiments.
Materials
Poster board, measuring tape, ruler, compass, protractor, pencil, scissors, wire cutters, glue, adhesive tape, galvanized wire mesh (chicken wire, 8" × 30' roll with 1/4-inch openings), flexible hose.
Step 1: Draw the Lateral Pattern
Mark a point that will serve as the center.
Using a compass set to 87.03 cm, draw an arc.
From the same center point, measure an angle of 28.12°.
Draw the two radii that form this angle.
Cut out the resulting shape.
Step 2: Draw the Base
Using a compass set to 10.75 cm, draw a circle.
Cut out the circle.
This will be the base of the cone.
Step 3: Form the Cone
Join the two straight edges of the lateral pattern.
Glue or secure the edges together until the cone is formed.
Verify that the height is approximately 86.36 cm.
Step 4: Attach the Base
Insert the 21.5 cm diameter circle into the bottom opening.
Glue the entire edge of the base to the cone.
Ensure that it is centered and that there are no gaps.
Step 5: Transfer the Pattern to the Chicken Wire
Lay the chicken wire on a flat surface.
Place the cut-out poster board template on top.
Trace the outline using a permanent marker or guide wire.
Mark an additional 2–3 inch tab for the side seam closure.
Step 6: Cut the Chicken Wire
Use wire cutters or pliers designed for cutting wire.
Carefully follow the marked lines.
Bend any exposed wire ends inward to prevent injuries.
Step 7: Form the Chicken Wire Cone
Join the two straight edges of the wire mesh piece.
Secure the edges using thin galvanized wire.
Place wire ties every 2–3 inches from the tip to the base.
Verify that the cone maintains an approximate height of 86.36 cm.
Step 8: Install the Base
Cut a 21.5 cm diameter circle from foam board, thin wood, or additional chicken wire.
Insert the base into the bottom of the cone.
Secure the base with wire ties around the entire perimeter.
Step 9: Structural Reinforcement
Place a section of flexible hose around the base and secure it with straps to increase rigidity.
Verify that the structure remains stable and maintains its conical shape.