Using the Power of Play to Save Bats

at Conservation International (BCI) has teamed up with Discovery Education and the LEGO Group for an exciting initiative, Build the Change, to shine a light on bats and inspire the next generation of conservationists. This program combines creative problem-solving, environmental education, and the power of play to teach students about bats and how they can make a difference.

At the heart of the initiative is a captivating Virtual Field Trip, Night Navigators: Build for Bats. This immersive experience takes students across Texas and Florida to explore bat habitats and discover the critical role bats play in pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control while learning how to support these essential creatures.

“We believe that today’s kids have good ideas, and those good ideas could help save bats and our natural world,” says BCI’s Chief of Strategic Partnerships Mylea Bayless.

The Build the Change initiative is designed for students in grades three through eight and offers an array of flexible, standards-aligned resources that fit into any learning environment. Educators can access lesson plans like the Bats: Night Navigators Choice Board and hands-on activities, such as designing bat habitats and investigating the impact of light pollution on bat behavior.

For younger students, the program includes a mini-lesson from Mystery Science by Discovery Education, which delves into how bats use echolocation to navigate the night. This activity helps students understand the science behind bats’ remarkable abilities while sparking curiosity about the natural world.

But the learning doesn’t stop in the classroom. Families can join the fun with activities that bring bat conservation to life at home. From planting a bat garden to observing local wildlife, these projects offer a hands-on way for parents and children to explore sustainability together.

After-school programs can also incorporate Build the Change resources, creating opportunities for students to collaborate on creative solutions for bat conservation. Whether it’s crafting habitats or brainstorming ways to reduce light pollution, these activities help young learners see the tangible impact of their efforts.

Bats are heroes of the ecosystem, but habitat loss and misinformation threaten their survival. Build the Change not only educates young learners about these challenges but also empowers them to take action.

Through this partnership, BCI, Discovery Education, and the LEGO Group are fostering a generation of young conservationists ready to make a difference—one creative solution at a time. Together, they’re proving that learning through play can lead to lasting change for bats and beyond.