This learning resource is available in interactive and printable formats. The interactive worksheet can be played online and assigned to students. The Printable PDF version can be downloaded and printed for completion by hand.
This Grade 4-5 science passage, 'How Bats Use Sound to See,' explores the fascinating process of echolocation in bats. Students will learn how bats use sound waves to navigate and find food in complete darkness. The passage defines key vocabulary such as 'echolocation,' 'sound waves,' and 'nocturnal,' and explains how bats’ special Adaptations help them survive in the wild. Real-world examples and clear explanations make the science accessible for young learners. The resource includes a glossary, a Spanish translation, a multiple-choice comprehension quiz, and writing prompts to deepen understanding. Aligned with NGSS standards, this passage is perfect for classroom or independent learning. Audio integration is available for enhanced accessibility, making science learning engaging and inclusive for all students.
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Bats use sound to 'see' in the dark. Image by Cifer88 / Source: Pixabay.
Bats are amazing animals that can fly at night without bumping into things. They do this by using a process called echolocation. This means bats use sound to 'see' in the dark.
When a bat flies, it makes high-pitched sounds that are too high for humans to hear. These sounds are called ultrasound. The sound travels through the air as sound waves. When the sound waves hit an object, like an insect or a wall, they bounce back to the bat as an echo.
Bats have excellent ears. When they hear the echo, they can tell where an object is, how big it is, and even what shape it is. This helps bats catch insects to eat and avoid crashing into trees or buildings.
This method is very important for bats because many are nocturnal, which means they are active at night. At night, it is too dark to see with eyes alone. By using echolocation, bats can find food and fly safely in the dark.
Scientists have learned from bats and use echolocation in technology. For example, sonar is used by submarines to find things underwater. Some blind people use clicking sounds to help them find their way, just like bats do.
There are over 1,400 types of bats in the world. Some hunt for insects, while others eat fruit or drink nectar. No matter what they eat, echolocation helps them survive in their environment.
Interesting Fact: Some bats can hear sounds up to 120,000 Hertz, which is far higher than humans can hear!
What is echolocation?
Using sound to find thingsFlying during the dayMaking homes in treesEating only fruit
What do bats hunt for food?
InsectsLeavesRocksFish
What does 'nocturnal' mean?
Active at nightActive in waterActive in daytimeActive underground
Why do bats need echolocation?
To fly safely in the darkTo sleep during the dayTo grow fasterTo eat plants
How does sonar help humans?
Find objects underwaterSee in the sunlightClimb treesRun faster
What happens if there are no echoes?
Bats cannot find objectsBats fly fasterBats see betterBats make less noise
Bats use sound to 'see'.
TrueFalse
What is an echo?
Sound that bounces backA type of foodA bat's wingA kind of tree
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