Explore the world of bat conservation through the national curriculum
The pack consists of a series of themed sheets, tailored to inform students about bats and bat conservation science, and to enrich and expand curricular opportunities. Additional teacher’s notes and activities relevant to each theme are included and Word document files are also provided for teachers to utilise in power point presentations.
This pack should not be seen as a static document and we are always seeking to improve on what we produce so that is of benefit to you and your pupils. BCT would very much welcome feedback from teachers as to how the resource could be improved. You can send your thoughts to us at enquiries@bats.org.uk using the subject header Wales Bilingual Education Pack – Feedback or post them to our address which is available here.
1. What are bats?
- Classification
- Evolution of bats
- Bats as mammals. Variation and classification.
- How did bats evolve?
2. British bats
- The different species
- Charts included both physical and behavioural inflation on British bats. It is ideal for numeracy work. Highlights similarities and difference between species. A useful reference for further studies.
3. Bats through the year
- Bats in summer
- Bats in winter
- Life processes – nutrition, growth and reproduction, Adaptation to daily and seasonal change. Temperature control as a mean of saving energy.
4. Flight
- How do bats fly?
- Bats: efficient flying machines
- How does a bat fly?
- Physical adaptations to optimise energy efficiency
5. Echolocation
- Seeing with sound
- Investigating sound
- How do bats use sound to navigate in the dark?
- Bat detectors
- Sound as a form of energy
6. What do bats need?
- What do bats need?
- Current threats and challenges
- What is good bat habitat? Why living things and their environment need protecting. Improving the environment for bats
7. People need bats
- Bats as controllers of pests
- Bats as pollinators
- Value of bats as pest controllers
- Pollination and seed dispersal by bats
8. Surveying and monitoring
- Surveying
- Monitoring
- Need for surveying
- Importance of monitoring
9. Conservation strategies
- Explores nature conservation strategies
10. Culture
- Images
- Words
- The cultural exploration of bats through imagery in art, ceramics, folklore and through poetry and prose.