Keweenaw Little Brown Bats and White Nose Syndrome
Houghton Middle School and Houghton High School
Houghton Middle School and Houghton High School
Bats are a keystone species that promote biodiversity and have significant impacts on insect populations and the health of an ecosystem. Students learned how White Nose Syndrome has decimated bat populations globally, including in our local areas. They studied current research efforts to combat this disease, and explored ideas about how they can help support the bats that are left. They toured the Quincy Mine to see prime bat habitat, met with local, regional and national bat experts, and they conducted their own research to learn more about different bat species, White Nose Syndrome, myths and folklore around bats, and stewardship efforts that are in place locally and around the world.
Watch the student videos below to learn more about the project and what participating students have learned!
Presentation 1
Presentation 2
Presentation 3
Presentation 4
Presentation 5
8th and 10th graders at Houghton Middle School and Houghton High School learned about White Nose Syndrome and the fate of local bat populations. They toured the Quincy Mine to see prime bat habitat, met with bat experts to learn about bats and how the disease impacts them, and they conducted their own research to learn more.