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Fractions of quantities: L3: bat volcano

1 - Learning Objective

Learning Objective

  • We are learning how to solve problems that involve finding unit fractions (halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, sixths) of a set of objects.

Context: bats

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0529bp9/player

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Credit: BBC Two - Mexico: Earth's Festival of Life

Clip Description

There are more than 1,300 different bat species. After rodents, bats are the second most common group of mammals. Some, like the bumblebee bat, weigh less than a penny. Others, like the giant golden-crowned flying fox, have a wingspan of almost 2 metres!

In this fascinating clip, we are taken on a journey, deep into the heart of a Mexican rainforest. In the forest, there is a limestone cave nicknamed the ‘Bat Volcano’. It’s not an actual volcano, but it is home to around 3 million bats. When the bats leave the entrance of the cave, it’s like a swirling eruption against the sky’s fading light. It’s a jaw-dropping wildlife spectacle! Why do you think the bats leave the safety of their cave? Watch the clip to find out.

Whiteboard Number Challenge

Three million is a huge number! However, you could easily impress your friends by saying your 3 million times table by simply knowing your 3 times table.

e.g. One times 3 million equals 3 million, two times 3 million equals 6 million …