Bats — Science Delivered

BAts and bat-inspired invention; NGSS 1-LS1-1

Learn all about Bats and inventions they have inspired! Lessons culminate in students designing (on paper) their own invention inspired by these animals. Lessons here focus around NGSS standard: 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.

All lessons and activities are simple and easy to implement in the classroom. We’ve provided background materials on bats - but encourage use of books and other resources to learn about bats and their features! For example - check out information on bats at the San Diego Zoo’s website.

Unfortunately because of COVID we could only do limited testing on aspects of this lesson. Please send your feedback!

This lesson was made in collaboration with IF/THEN Ambassador Dr. Kristen Lear!

Download all files

Scroll down to individually download files and see ELA links.

File list:

Sequencing Suggestions - Suggested order for lessons.
Bat and Bat-Invention Presentation pdf - A powerpoint to support lessons on bats and inventions inspired by bats. Has discussion-prompts, links to videos and a “meet a bat scientist” slide at the end.
Bat and Bat-Invention Presentation ppt - Same as “2”, but an editable powerpoint.
Bat and Bat-Invention Teacher’s Key - A teachers key for the presenation in “2”and “3.”
Echolocation Activity Teacher’s Instructions - A printout for students. Instructions of for a fun and simple activity that helps students model, explore, and understand echolocation.
Echolocation Take-Home Instructions - Instructions for students so they can do the echolocation activity at home (recommended during COVID).
Student Sheet - Bat vs. Bird Wing - A printout for students. Students compare a bat and bird wing to see the similarities and differences. This helps them understand unique (and less unique) aspects of bats.
Student Sheet - Bat vs. Bird Wing - Teacher’s Key - Teacher’s Key for “7.”
Student Sheet - Bat vs. BatBot - A printout for students. Students compare a real bat and a robot inspired by bats.
Student Sheet - Bat vs. BatBot - Teacher’s Key. Teacher’s Key for “9.”
Student Sheet - Bat-Inspired Invention - A printout for students. Students create their own invention (on paper) that is inspired by bats!
Student Sheet - Bat-Inspired Invention - Teacher’s Key - Teacher’s Key for “11.”