Make a flapping bat

In this activity learners will make use of the theme of Halloween to make a flapping bat decoration. They will learn about the history of Halloween and why bats are an important part of it. They will then learn how to make a simple mechanism for a flapping bat. Finally, they will test and adjust their flapping bat and observe how it works.

This activity could be used as a main lesson activity to teach about basic marking out, testing and model making skills. It could also be used as part of wider scheme of learning focussed on designing and making products within a Halloween-themed context, alongside other IET Halloween themed resources.

Activity: Making a flapping bat for a Halloween decoration

Learners will make use of the theme of Halloween to develop their knowledge and understanding in Design & Technology and Engineering and make a flapping bat to decorate their home or classroom.

Tools/supplies needed:

• Printed template
• Good quality card (corrugated or grey card)
• String
• Small change, 1p or 2p pieces, washers or small weights
• Scissors
• Sticky tape
• A stick to hold the bat
• Black paint
• Pencil
• Googly eyes (optional)
• Craft knife

Extension

• Make another bat from thin painted plywood to make it more weatherproof
• Cut out shapes to make another type of animal - for example, birds or pterodactyls
• Research more about bats and how they act

The Engineering Context

Engineers can learn a lot from nature in terms of how to design and make products and structures. For example, how bats fly and ‘see’ in the dark – this is similar to the principles of sonar and radar. Iterative design is a key strategy for engineers to use when designing and producing ideas for products.

Suggested learning outcomes

This resource combines Design and Technology with Engineering, with the aim learners will be able to understand the origins of Halloween and how it is celebrated today; be able to make a flapping bat decoration for Halloween; be able to test and balance the bat decoration to make it work well; and understand how iterative design works and is how it is used.

Download our activity sheet and other teaching resources

All activity sheets and supporting resources are free to download, and all the documents are fully editable, so you can tailor them to your students’ and your schools’ needs.

The activity sheet includes teachers’ notes, useful web links, and links (where appropriate) to the national curriculum in each of the four devolved nations; England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

You can download our step-by-step instructions as a classroom lesson plan and PowerPoint presentation.

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