Grades 2-4
22 activities—138 pages

Bats may make up nearly one quarter of all mammals, but they are among the most misunderstood creatures on Earth. Bats Incredible! lets children learn about these amazing animals and at the same time explore the scientific concepts of adaptation, interaction, and diversity.

Students will learn about two major categories of bats—megachiroptera (megabats) and microchiroptera (microbats). The microbats are most common in the United States. They are smaller insect-eating bats that rely on echolocation (bouncing sound off an object to determine its location) to find their prey. Megabats, which are found in tropical areas, are larger fruit- or nectar-eating bats that rely on their eyesight and keen sense of smell for feeding.

Activities will have children identifying and categorizing physical attributes of these two groups of bats such as large ears, unusual noses, or oversized eyes. In one exploration, children will use chenille strips, fabric and paper plates to make a mask depicting either a megabat or microbat. The class will then review the masks and discuss the physical features to determine what that bat would most likely eat and why.

In “Noses for Nectar,” snowcone cups and cornmeal will help students understand how physical features assist bats to meet their basic needs and can also assist nature. In this case, the pointed cup simulates a megabat’s nose that while feeding on nectar inside flowers may get pollen (cornmeal) on its fur and then carry that pollen to another plant, which serves to cross-pollinate the plants.

Teachers will appreciate the use of process skills throughout the activities, including observing, comparing and contrasting, classifying, data recording, and communicating.

From making models of wings to examine the structure and variation of bat wings compared to bird wings, to playing a game mimicking echolocation by rolling a ball against a wall from different distances in order to hear how the sound of impact changes, students will gain an appreciation of these marvelous creatures and also insights into Life, Earth, and Physical sciences.