Format
1. The program starts with a discussion about what bats are, where they are found, and what they eat.
2. The educator has the students participate in an experiment to demonstrate echolocation.
3. The students are shown a combination of preserved bats, bat skeletons, sample items, and a slideshow as the discussion of different types of bats continues.
4. The students make a bat project.
5. If time allows, we take questions.
Objectives
- discuss what type of animal a bat is and why
- gain an understanding of a bat's sense of smell, hearing, and wing structure through class demonstrations
- explore the variety of what bats eat and where they are found throughout the world
- engage in a discussion about bats role in the environment
Standards Alignment
National Standards
ESS3A K-2 -- Natural resources
LS1A 3-5 -- Structure and function
LS1A K-2 -- Structure and function
LS1B 3-5 -- Growth and development of organisms
LS1B K-2 -- Growth and development of organisms
LS2A 3-5 -- Interdependent relationships in ecosystems
LS2A K-2 -- Interdependent relationships in ecosystems
LS2C 3-5 -- Ecosystem dynamics, functioning, and resilience
LS2C 6-8 -- Ecosystem dynamics, functioning, and resilience
State Standards
New York State
NGSS Learning Standards
P-LS1-1. Observe familiar plants and animals (including humans) and describe what they need to survive.
P-LS1-2. Plan and conduct an investigation to determine how familiar plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive in the environment.
P-LS3-1 Develop a model to describe that some young plants and animals are similar to, but not exactly like, their parents
K-LS1-1 Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.
K-ESS3-1 Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants or animals (including humans) and the places they live.
1-LS1-1 Use materials to design a solution to a human problem by mimicking how plants and/or animals use their external parts to help them survive, grow, and meet their needs.
1-LS1-2 Read texts and use media to determine patterns in behavior of parents and offspring that help offspring survive.
1-LS3-1 Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that some young plants and animals are similar to, but not exactly like, their parents.
2-LS2-2 Develop a simple model that illustrates how plants and animals depend on each other for survival.