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Introduction

This lesson was developed as part of the San Diego Unified School District's Triton Project, a federally funded Technology Innovation Challenge Grant.

Students will have the opportunity to explore Stellaluna's world and become bat experts. Students will be asked to identify unique characteristcs, find similarities and differences with other animals, differentiate between fact and myths, and identify contributions bats make to their echosystem.

Content Area and Grade Level

This lesson is designed for grades 2 and 3. Its focus is on the areas of life science language arts, and technology.

Curriculum Standards

Outcomes

Students will:

• The student develops an understanding of the characteristics of living things. Organisms have different structures that serve different functions in growth, survival, and reproduction. Standard 3.4 (grade 3), standard 2.4.1 (grade 2).
• The student develops an understanding of organisms and their environments. Standard 3.6 (grade 3), standard 2.4.3 (grade 2).
• Distinguish between bat fact and myths.
• The student understands, analyzes, interprets, evalutes, and extends the meaning of literature. Standard 3.3 (grade 3).
• The student will produce a response to literature in which the writer makes a judgement that is interpretive, analytic, or reflective and will support that judgement through references to other works or non-print media. Standard 3.6.1 (grade 3).

Implementation Overview

Each task will require a minimum of 1/2 an hour to 45 minutes to complete. There are 5 computer tasks, the sixth is a writing assignment that does not require the use of a computer. This webquest can be used as a center activity with pairs of students and an adult or whole-group collaboration of findings after each task. The length of time depends on the number of computers and amount of center time allotted to each pair of students. I approximate it would take three weeks to complete.

Task One: Compare and contrast megabats and microbats with the use a graphic organizers to assist in gathering information. The organizer includes directions and a grading rubric.

Task Two: Students study how bats and birds care for their young and compare to birds caring for their young with the use of a graphic organizer.

Task Three: Students investigate the use of echolocation and determine whether humans could possible use this method to find food.

Task Four: Students determine the importance of bats in an echosystem.

Task Five: Students investigate interesting bat characteristics and bat myths. Students distinguish between fact and fiction.

Task Six: Students compile all information to use in a letter to Stellaluna. Students explain to Stellaluna about the importance of being a bat. The directions include specific expectations and a grading rubric.

Resources Needed

• At least two computers and an internet connection or a Webwacker program.
• Stellaluna by Janell Cannon.
• Download blackline masters for Task 1, Task 2, Task 3, Task 4, Task 5, Task 6
• Download Certificate of Achievement

Additional resources you might want:

Books

1. Bash, Barbara. Shadows of the Night. Sierra Club for Children, 1993.
2. Cannon, Janell. Stellaluna. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1993.
3. Fenton, Brock M. Bats. Facts on File, 1992.
4. Greenaway, Frank. Amazing Bats. Knopf, 1991.
5. Johnson, Sylvia A. The World of Bats. Lerner Publications, 1985.

Teacher Resource

1. Aims Education Foundation. Bats Incredible! Aims Education Foundation. Fresno, 1993.
2. Bernard, Robin. Bats: Complete Cross-Curricular Theme Unit That Teaches About This Amazing Mammal. Scholastic Professional Books. New York, 1998.

Internet

1. Bat Conservation International: http://www.batcon.org/
2. Bats, a thematic unit: http://www.cccoe.k12.ca.us/bats/default.html
3. Education World , a thematic lesson: http://www.education-world.com/a_lesson/lesson031.shtml
4. Index of Bats: http://www.birminghamzoo.com/ao/bats.htm
5. Buzbee Bat House: http://www.nyx.net/~jbuzbee/bat_house.html
6. Yahoo, index of bat links: http://dir.yahoo.com/Science/Biology/Zoology/Animals__Insects__and_Pets/Mammals/Bats/

Entry level of skills knowledege

Prior Knowledge: This webquest is based on the literature book Stellaluna by Janell Cannon. Students should have read the story or be in the process of reading the story. Students need to understand certain concepts listed below. Check for understanding or introduce these concepts prior to the webquest.

• What is an echo?
• What is a mammal?
• How does it feel to be different or not fit in?
• What does unique mean?
• What is a myth?

Technology: Students should be able to know how to navigate the internet (scrolling, links, going back and forth).

Aquiring Information: Students need to know how use a graphic organizer and how to take notes.

Evaluation

All tasks are assigned points and rubrics. Please feel free to adjust this to meet the needs of your class. The first five tasks can earn up to 15 points. The sixth task is the culminating activity and can earn up to 25 points for a total of 75 points.

Conclusion

Stellaluna is a wonderful book that teaches students the importance of uniqueness and acceptance. Through this webquest your students will discover more about these curious creatures. Encourage your students to advocate for bats and continue learning. Students can become involved in bat conservation. Sites listed solicite participation, this webquest can just be the beginning.