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Bat Study for Early Elementary

Each year, Carol's kindergarten and first grade students engage in a study of bats that encompasses the disciplines of science, art, and literature. Her room even includes a bat "cave" constructed from a tent. The following is a sampling of the activities she has used. You will also find examples of her students work in the Primary edition (Vol. P-4, No. 1) of The Wild Times, on The Wild Ones website (www.thewildones.org/avocado.html), and on Avocado Elementary's website. Questions about the activities should be addressed to Carol Ann Delancy.

Integrating Literature, Science & Art

Objectives:

• Interpreting a selection through a drawing, collage, or mural
• Kindling enthusiasm and interest in reading for enjoyment and information

Materials:

• the book Stellaluna
• class set of pre-cut drawing paper
• crayons and/or color markers

Lesson:

1. Have class make predictions about the book Stellaluna.
2. Read the story Stellaluna aloud to the class, engaging them in comprehension questions as you read.
3. When done, give each student drawing paper, crayons and/or markers. Ask the students to draw an illustration of their favorite part of the story.
4. Have students share their pictures and display them in the classroom's "Stellaluna Art Gallery".

Assessment:

• Observe students' interest and involvement in what is being read to them.
• Take note of students' comments, questions, and responses.

Research

Objectives:

• Gathering information
• Organizing information
• Sharing information (knowledge)

Materials:

• bat literature and information books (see your school librarian for assistance)
• Internet access to the "child safe" search engine "Yahooligans"
• drawing paper squares (class set)
• crayons, pencils, colored markers

Lesson:

1. Have the students write and illustrate a fact they have learned about bats on a piece of drawing paper.
2. Allow the students to incorporate any information they have learned through the following strategies:
   1. brainstorming (class experience charts)
   2. categorizing
   3. conferencing (with teacher, librarian, bat expert, etc.)
   4. key vocabularies (using the class dictionary and encyclopedias)
   5. library books
   6. Internet (yahooligans.com)

Assessment:

• Determine students' ability to access and use a variety of reference materials for information.
• Accurate information written on students' research papers.

Sound Messages

Overview: Sounds can relay messages to us the same way that echolocation sound waves give messages to bats.

Objectives:

Identify harmful sounds in the environment and the appropriate precautions that need to be taken.

Materials:

• chart paper
• markers
• tape recorder and cassette with prerecorded warning and alert sounds (familiar sounds might include sirens, back-up beeps on heavy equipment, school fire alarms, etc.)

Lesson:

1. Review with students how humans are able to decode most sounds that signal danger or harm without having to visually see whatÕs going on. Explain how this is similar to how bats can use sound waves (echolocation) to get information about their surroundings.
2. Have students listen carefully to the audio tape of sounds.
3. Allow students to discuss the sounds and classify them on a chart under "Emergency" or "Danger".

Assessment:

Allow the students to choose an emergency or danger sound from the tape. Have them illustrate and write the appropriate actions associated when the sound is heard.

©2000 The Wild Ones
c/o Wildlife Trust
61 Route 9W, Palisades, NY 10964-8000
Tel: 845.365.8337 Fax: 845.365.8177