Teacher Page
Introduction
Over the course of this webquest, students will have an opportunity to learn more about bats and their benefits to humans by visiting a variety of informational and educational (and fun!) websites.
Content Area and Grade Level
This lesson is designed for grades 3-4. Its primary focus is on life systems (Anchorage School District 4th grade Science). Secondary foci are on Alaska (Anchorage School District 3rd grade Social Studies) and Alaskan Animals (Anchorage School District 1st grade Science).
Outcomes
Students will:
- Research information about bats
- Write a recommendation to demonstrate their understanding of the benefits of bats
Alaska State Content Standards Addressed
English/Language Arts:
A. A student should be able to speak and write well for a variety of purposes and audiences.
B. A student should be a competent and thoughtful reader, listener, and viewer of literature, technical materials and a variety of other information.
D. A student should be able to think logically and reflectively in order to present and explain positions based on relevant and reliable information.
Science:
A. A student should understand scientific facts, concepts, principles and theories.
D. A student should be able to apply scientific knowledge and skills to make reasoned decisions about the use of science and scientific innovations.
Technology:
A. A student should be able to operate technology-based tools.
B. A student should be able to use technology to locate, select, and manage information.
C. A student should be able to use technology to explore ideas, solve problems, and derive meaning.
D. A student should be able to use technology to express ideas and exchange information.
Implementation
Overview: This webquest can be implemented to utilize both computer lab and classroom learning spaces. The web research and recommendation writing tasks may be effectively accomplished in either a computer lab with teams working together or individually. These tasks may also be accomplished in a classroom setting provided that adequate Internet-capable, technology resources are available, and that adequate time is given to complete the tasks. The resources listed below may be made available in downloadable Adobe PDF format or in paper format. Links to all unit documentation may be found at the bottom of this page. Each task listed below should be accomplished in blocks of time 45 minutes to an hour in length:
- Task #1- Break into teams of two to four members. Brainstorm on paper what your team already knows about bats. Review the Bat WebQuest Evaluation document.
- Task #2- Assign team members roles for accountability and begin research using the Bat Web Site URL List and Bat Research Questions documents.
- Task #3- Complete the Bat Research Questions sheet individually and when everyone on your team is finished, share your findings with the rest of your team.
- Task #4- Write a draft recommendation using the Bat Writing Checklist.
- Task #5- Revise and edit the draft recommendation for grammar and spelling errors. Conduct an informal self-assessment using the Bat WebQuest Evaluation document.
- Task #6- Type your final recommendation using AppleWorks or Word.
- Task #7- Have your group present their final recommendation to the class in 3-5 minutes.
Resources
Technology tools your students will need:
You will need an appropriate number of Internet-ready computers with AppleWorks or Word and perhaps Adobe Acrobat Reader installed, based on your teaching style and lab availability.
Websites your students will access:
http://www.borealforest.org/zoo/bat.htm - Northwest Ontario Mammal Species website
http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/wildfacts/factfiles/677.shtml - BBC Nature Wildfacts: Little brown bat
http://www.batcon.org/discover/species/mylucif.html - Bat Conservation International website: Bat Species
http://www.aaawildlife.com/sm_bat.html - AAA Wildlife Control website: Little Brown Bat Quick Facts
http://www.batcon.org/batsmag/v11n1-5.html - Bat Conservation International website: BATS Magazine archives, Bats: A Farmers Best Friend
http://www.batcon.org/batsmag/v7n4-8.html - Bat Conservation International website: BATS Magazine archives, Help for Little Brown Bats
http://permanent.access.gpo.gov/lps1515/febmar2001/bat.htm - Quality of Mine Reclamation Vital for Bat Conservation
http://www.osm.gov/bats.htm - Bats and Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation
http://www.batcon.org/mines/ - Welcome to Bats and Mines Project
http://www.njowl.org/outing9-01bat.htm - New Jersey Outdoor Womens League Bat Walk Outing website
http://www.batconservation.org/content/kidspage/kidspage.htm - Organization for Bat Conservation website: kids section
Human Resources (Optional):
- A guest speaker on the subject of bats for additional information.
- A student or parent helper to assist during times in the computer lab.
Entry Skills and Knowledge Technology Skills Needed:
- Navigating the Internet with a standard Web browser
- Opening and saving files
- Basic word processing with AppleWorks or Microsoft Word
Writing Skills Needed:
- Brainstorming
- Note taking
- Basic technical/persuasive writing
- Editing for grammar and spelling
Evaluation
Prior to beginning the webquest, students will review the Bat WebQuest Evaluation so that expectations are clear from the outset.
Students will complete an informal self-assessment at the end of the project, based on the Bat WebQuest Evaluation document.
Students will be evaluated on three areas: participation, brainstorm and research, and writing project and presentation.
Conclusion
At the end of this webquest, your students should have a much better understanding of bats and their positive role in insect control. They should also have learned some methods to encourage peaceful coexistence between bats and humans, as well as learned the truth behind some common myths surrounding bats.
Unit PDF Documents
Click the links below to download the various unit documents in PDF format:
Bat WebQuest Unit
Bat WebQuest Evaluation
Bat Web Site URL List
Bat Research Questions
Bat Writing Checklist
