[Outreach] Skype a Scientist: Talking to 4th Grades about bats

Back in November, I had a great experience talking to a couple classes of 4th graders about bats. As part of the online scientist-teacher matching program, #SkypeaScientist, I linked up with Mrs. Phaedra Taft at an elementary school in Connecticut.

We talked about bat ecology, their hearing and vocal abilities, and their natural history. It’s been a while since I’ve spoken to 4th graders and I was pleasantly surprised at their sophistication of their questions. (A tip to academics: Perhaps try explaining your research to older elementary school kids.) One highlight was the question: “Are there mute bats?”

I had a total blast today talking to @taftphaedra1's 4th graders about vocal learning & vocal adaptation in bats! 🗣️🦇🥳@SkypeScientist is such cool program! What a time to be alive: I can beam into a classroom half a world away & answer clever questions from enthusiastic kids. https://t.co/SWSGDWnKqD

— Ava Kiai (@avakiai) November 30, 2021