BATS.

In Search of
Stellaluna's Family
http://projects.edtech.sandi.net/chavez/batquest/stella.html
Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Resources | Conclusion
Introduction
Stellaluna became lost from her mother when she was a baby. She did not get a chance to learn about who she was. Stellaluna feels very sad because she is not like her bird friends. Let's help Stellaluna learn more about being a bat. Stellaluna is a very unique mammal with special gifts. It will be your quest to learn the facts about bats. You can help teach Stellaluna and others about the special qualities of being a bat.
The Task
After reading the book, work with a partner to find out more information about bats. You will investigate:
the different types of bats
how bat mothers care for their babies
echolocation
unique bat characteristics
why bats are important to the world
The Process
1. Stellaluna is one type of bat, a megabat. Bats can be first classified into two groups, megabats and microbats. Then there are several different types of bats within these two groups. Choose who will investigate the megabats and who will investigate the mircrobats.
Megabat
Megabats
There are over 900 different kinds of bats in the world, most are found in the tropics.
The megabats are large and found in tropical rain forests (like Australia and Africa). These bats are also called flying foxes because they look like foxes or dogs.
They either eat fruit or drink nectar from flowers, and sometimes look for food during the day instead of at night. They can see well. They have large eyes, simple ears, and simple noses. Stellaluna is a megabat.
>The biggest bat in the world is the gigantic flying fox and it is found in Asia. It weighs over 2 pounds and has a wingspan of about 6 feet. Take a look at some different types of megabats, which one do you like the most?
Microbat
Information
Microbatshttp://projects.edtech.sandi.net/chavez/batquest/images/brazilian_bat.gif
The majority of bats are microbats. Microbats (microchiropterans) are small bats found all over the world, including the U.S. There are at least 4 types of bats in California. The biggest population of bats are the red bats.
Most microbats eat insects. A red bat can eat up to 600 mosquitoes in one night. Some types of microbats eat bigger animals like rodents, other bats, reptiles, birds and even fish.
Microbats have very poor eyesight and use highly sophisticated echolocation, or radar, to find their food. That is why their ears are very large and their eyes are small.
Microbats live in different places. It is important that a bat's home is warm, the temperature needs to be between 80 and 90 degrees farenheit. That is why many bats live together in caves. Microbats also can live in trees, buildings and houses if the temperature is between 80 and 90 degrees.

Investigate some different types of microbats. Which one is the most interesting to you?
2. Stellaluna had a loving mother. You will work with your partner and complete the assignment together. Your job is to find out how bat mothers care for their babies until they are able to be on their own. Click on the bats.

3. Stellaluna could fly at night and not get hurt. Investigate her special gift called echolocation. Your job is to discover how echolocation works. Could you use echolocation to see in the dark like bats do? Click on the bat to find out.

4. Stellaluna and her bat friends help our world. Your job is to list how bats help the world and then teach your friends! Click on the world to discover how bats help us.
5. Bats are unique and helpful mammals. Why do you think some people are afraid them? You will investigate bat facts and myths and decide for yourself. What could you teach people to not be afraid of bats?
6. Write a letter to Stellaluna and explain to her why she is so special. This is your opportunity to show that you are a bat expert!
Evaluation
You and your partner can earn up to 75 points on this webquest. You will find a graphic organizer to complete tasks 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Each task can earn up to 10 points. The letter to Stellaluna is most important! You can earn up to 25 points. Each task has a graphic organizer, directions and grading rubric. You can decide how many points you can earn. You will help grade your own work.

65-75 points
54-64 points
47-53 points
40-46 points
Excellent work!
You're a whiz kid and bat expert, keep it up!
Great work!
You really know your bat facts, bat master.
Very Good work!
You have helped Stellaluna be proud
Good work!
Now go out there and teach others about bats.
Remind your teacher to give you the "Certificate of Accomplishment" after you complete this webquest, you deserve it!
Conclusion
Now that you have become a bat expert, visit these fun and exciting sites. You can learn even more about bats or play bat games and make bat art. Maybe you would like to build a bat house in your backyard!
Crossword Puzzle
Sellaluna on line
Bat Quiz
Build A Bat House
Bat Games

Resources
If you just can't get enough of bats, keep on learning. Visit your local library.