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Bat’s World

Activity

Using Echolocation to Find Prey

Learn what sonar is, the different types, which animals use it, and why. What is echolocation? Try being a bat! While wearing a blindfold, one person (the bat) calls out “MOTH?”. Have your moths (can be one or many!) respond with “Here!”. The bat then tries to guess which direction the moth is. If they guess correctly they get to move in the direction of the moth. Repeat until the bat finds and tags all of their prey! (Moths can either be stationary or move depending on how difficult you want to make the game!)

Science Seed

Echolocation is a type of biological sonar that involves using sound waves to locate and identify objects that are not visible or close to an animal. Animals make a noise that bounces off of an object and returns to the animal’s ears or jawbone to inform the animal what and where the object is. Echolocation helps animals find food, navigate, and become alert to danger! It is primarily used by bats, dolphins and other toothed whales, but was recently discovered in some birds and Madagascan shrews. Even some blind people have learned to use echolocation to navigate their surroundings!

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earn Badges

Badges can be earned through hands-on experiences within each of the 16 branches of science, or “Science Slices.” You can earn a badge in each branch of science by doing four activities in these categories. We also encourage participants to keep a Nature Journal to record their memories, and to express themselves creatively through writing or drawing after each activity. We recommend that each child (and parent if they’d like) write or draw in a journal after each activity, with expectations of your children that match their age (the goal is self-expression, not perfection).

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join Families in Nature

It is our vision to inspire all families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists. Becoming a member of Families in Nature will give your family the opportunity to have adventures in nature, experience field science, develop as youth conservation leaders, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Memberships are free for everyone.

Who are we?

Families in Nature works to create opportunities for nature connection with the purpose of sparking a deep love and desire to protect, conserve and restore the environment. Our mission is to connect children and their families to nature and to each other through time spent learning, playing, and volunteering outdoors. It is our vision to inspire ALL families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists.

This project was made possible by HEB.