The Bats ‘N Bugs Part 2 project was awarded a $5,725 continuation grant from the NJEA Frederick L. Hipp Foundation for Excellence in Education. Educators Patricia Pfeifer and Colette Bapst of Winfield School in Winfield (Union County) expanded on their original grant-winning program to include students from first through fourth grade, along with their parents.
The students begin with an introduction to bats, then a study of worms, and finally insects. Each unit is intended to help children understand the importance of these creatures to the earth’s ecosystem.
A variety of activities incorporate parents, including an introductory walking trip to the nearby forested area to view bats, worms, and insects in their natural habitat. Informational articles and suggestions for home activities are provided in a monthly newsletter to parents.
A culminating event after each unit of study is held with parents called the “Parent & Child Bats ‘N Bugs Afternoon” which consists of an art project and a dessert made by the children.
Students will create “Bats ‘N Bugs Jeopardy” by composing questions for each unit, and then each grade will pair up to play the game in June.
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