Scott Detweiler, an environmental educator for the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, gives a presentation on bats to second graders at Rowan Elementary Tuesday.The presentation is part of an extended educational program at the school.

CRANBERRY TWP — Brielle Polas is not afraid of bats.

“They aren't harmful to people,” said Brielle, 7, a Rowan Elementary School second-grader, about the funny-looking creatures.

Brielle is one student in the five second-grade classrooms who studied bats with teacher Betsy Cavicchia as part of “Project Bat,” which combined project- and concept-based learning opportunities surrounding the fuzzy flying mammal to teach students about action in their community and local conservation.

Students received a first-hand presentation on bats from the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania Tuesday at the school, 8051 Rowan Road.

The presentation gives students a chance to show what they have learned in class and get to know the nine species of bats in the area, said Scott Detwiler, environmental educator for the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania in Beechwood.

The following is an excerpt from a story that appears in Friday's Butler Eagle.