We've all gone a little Batty!

It has been difficult to squeeze in as much science as I would like, so I decided to dedicate a whole day to science once or twice a month.  This month we are focusing on life science, with our studies of bats, owls and other nocturnal creatures and their unique adaptations.  We are honing in on characteristics, life cycles, and adaptations to help us understand how species survive.  Bat Day happened last Thursday to everyone's great enjoyment!  Some of our activities included:
* naming characteristics of mammals and sorting mammals vs. non-mammals on a big chart, using pictures cut from National Geographic (this was FUN!)
* a PE game using "echolocation" that helped us compare how humans and bats navigate (I blindfolded a "bat" while he/she called out to the "moths" and "trees."  The moths tried to escape while the trees kept everyone in the circle!)
* an experiment during which bat "mommies" used scent, a secret code, and position to locate her "pup" in the nursery
* bat art using handprints and paint
* bat reading and fact collection/class discussion

We still have a few experiments to conduct to help us really get the knack of echolocation and how sound waves form.

Next Thursday biologist Kellen Watson from Klamath Outdoor Science School joins us to learn about owls and help us dissect owl pellets!