COMPARING BATS AND BIRDS
Subject: Science
Duration: 30 minutes
Age Level: Grades 3-5
Location: Classroom
Key Vocabulary: Compare, contrast
OBJECTIVES: Students will compare and contrast bats and birds.
BACKGROUND: The bat is the only mammal that can truly fly. Birds fly, but they are in a separate scientific classification. Since these two animals share the characteristic of flight, are they the same in other ways?
MATERIALS: Copies of "Comparing Bats and Birds" Chart; pens or pencils
PROCEDURE:
1. Make copies of the worksheet on the following page, then have students fill in the worksheet with what they believe are the characteristics of bats, birds, or both.
2. Lead a class discussion comparing and contrasting the two animals, possibly making a classroom "master" chart.
COMPARING BATS & BIRDS
Directions: Place an X for the statements that are true for bats, birds, or both.
| CHARACTERISTIC | BAT | BIRD |
| Has an internal skeleton | ||
| Has feathers | ||
| Has fur | ||
| Makes a nest | ||
| Cares for its young | ||
| Sleeps upside down | ||
| Migrates | ||
| Gives birth to live babies | ||
| Has wings | ||
| Breathes air | ||
| Uses echolocation to find food | ||
| Uses its eyes and ears to find food |