Bats of British Columbia Outreach Kit

About the kit

Using reproductions, props and games, students in grades k-1 and 3-4 will discover that:

  • bats are interesting;
  • bats are important;
  • bats are in trouble; and
  • bats need our help.

How to order

The kits are available for loans to BC schools and organizations only. There are limited copies available so plan accordingly.

REQUEST AN OUTREACH KIT

What’s in the kit?

  • Bat specimen from the Royal BC Museum
  • Bat true or false cards
  • Model of a bat tree roost
  • Reference books including Bats of BC Handbook

Before you use the kit

Please review the Educator Guide before you get the kit. The guide will help you plan your time and make the best use of your two-week loan.

Additional resources are available with the kit but you can access them online in advance, including the BC Bat Friendly Community Guide, NatureKids Bat ID cards and BC Community Bat Network.

Using the kit

Activities suggested in the outreach kit are for grades k-1 and 3-4.

The Science Big Ideas explored are:

  • Plants and animals have observable features.
  • Living things have features and behaviours that help them survive in their environment.
  • Living things are diverse, and can be grouped and interact in their ecosystems.

 

When the kit arrives…

  • Explain to your students your goals and reasons for ordering the kit.
  • Encourage your students to treat the material respectfully. Ask them to brainstorm about proper object-handling. Some suggestions include:
    • Always handle objects carefully.
    • Do not have food or drinks near the material.
    • Wash your hands before and after using the materials in the kit.
    • Put the materials back in their proper places.

 

During the week…

  • Learn more about the 15 bat species found in BC using the Royal BC Museum’s Learning Portal.
  • Have students clean up a body of water at or near your school. Bats need a calm body of water to drink as fast-moving water can make drinking it challenging.
  • Depending on the time of year, take part in the BC Annual Bat Count.

 

When the kit leaves…

  • Make sure all materials are returned.
  • Use the enclosed contact information to arrange your return shipping.
  • Fill out the evaluation form and return it with the kit.

 

Visit Community Bat Programs of BC to learn about bat research and conservation in your local community. Check out their BC bat edu-kit guide, which includes 35 hands-on activities and a kit that can be rented out in the Okanagan.

Get in Touch

outreach@royalbcmuseum.bc.ca