Squeaks and Mister Brown learn all about echolocation, and how animals use it to sense things! First Grade Next Generation Science Standards Crosscutting Concept: Structure and Function: The way an object is shaped or structured determines many of its properties and functions. Disciplinary Core Ideas: LS1.A: Structure and Function - All organisms have external parts. Different animals use their body parts in different ways to see, hear, grasp objects, protect themselves, move from place to place, and seek, find, and take in food, water and air. Plants also have different parts (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits) that help them survive and grow (1-LS1-1). LS1.D: Information Processing - Animals have body parts that capture and convey different kinds of information needed for growth and survival. Animals respond to these inputs with behaviors that help them survive. Plants also respond to some external inputs (1-LS1-1). Performance Expectation: 1-LS1-1. Use materials to design a solution to a human problem by mimicking
Tips for Parents
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Here's how to talk to your child about it
Animals use echolocation, like bats, to "see" using sound waves. Different animals have different body parts that help them sense and survive.
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4 activities you can do with your child now
- Play a game of "Animal Sound Charades" where you and your child take turns making animal sounds and guessing which animal it is based on the sound. - Create a homemade "obstacle course" in your living room using pillows, chairs, and other objects. Have your child navigate through the course blindfolded, using only their sense of touch and sound. - Go on a nature walk together and encourage your child to listen carefully to the sounds of birds, insects, and other animals. Ask them to describe what they hear and try to identify the animals based on their sounds. - Set up a "sound scavenger hunt" where you hide objects around the house that make different sounds (e.g. a bell, a squeaky toy, a musical instrument). Have your child close their eyes and try to find each object by listening for the sound it makes.
