In 2006, scientists discovered a mysterious ailment killing off cave-dwelling bats in New York at an alarming rate. Since then, White-Nose Syndrome, with a mortality rate over 90%, has spread rapidly. More than a million bats have died and previously common species are now in danger of extinction.
Why does this matter?
Since 2006, White-Nose Syndrome has been responsible for the most dramatic decline of North American wildlife in 100 years. Bats play important roles in plant pollination and seed dissemination as well as insect control. It is estimated that losing bats may cause $53 billion in agricultural damages annually.
My urban middle school students begin the year reading years below grade level. We work hard in our mixed grade Language Arts classroom to build the vocabulary and literacy skills needed for high school success. We alternate generous helpings of self-selected independent reading with shared explorations of contemporary issues.
My Project
I am requesting a collection of 38 different books about bats for building background knowledge before learning about the spread of White-Nose Syndrome. My students include beginning readers and new English speakers so it is important to provide them with books at a range of readability levels and with plenty of picture support. I have included paired copies of many titles so that students can read together, several books with audio support, and a few fiction titles to provoke discussions about how bats are represented (and misrepresented) in literature.
This collection of more than 70+ books about bats will introduce my students to key concepts in ecology, teach important science vocabulary, and strengthen their reading skills as they participate in a shared class exploration.
Your support for this project will help encourage deep and lasting learning for a wonderful group of middle school students. Thank you.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Livingstone and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
