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Learning Activity: Research whale species

• Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society

• Whale Conservation Institute

• American Cetacean Society

• World Wildlife Fund: Whales and Dolphins

CNN STUDENT NEWS

(CNN student News) -- Students will learn about different whale species and about whale conservation.

Procedure

Inform students that whales, along with dolphins and porpoises, belong to the family of marine mammals known as cetaceans. Just like humans and other land mammals, whales are warm-blooded, and whale calves nurse on their mothers' milk.

Next, group students and assign each group a different region of the world. Send groups on a multimedia scavenger hunt to identify a list of different whale species in their assigned regions. Reconvene groups and have them present their lists of whale species. Then, assign each student a different species of whale. Have each student prepare a presentation about the following:

a description of the whale,

its habitats and migratory patterns,

the status of the whale species,

what is being done to preserve the species, and

why some whales become disoriented and enter waters that threaten their survival.

After students present their findings, ask: Do you think that it is important to protect whales? Why or why not? In your opinion, have the efforts to protect the endangered species been effective? Explain. Following the discussion, have students compile their information and create a multimedia exhibit for your school's library to educate others about whales and whale conservation.

Correlated Standards

Science

CONTENT STANDARD C: Life Science

As a result of activities in grades 5-8, all students should develop an understanding of:

*Structure and function in living systems

* Reproduction and heredity

* Regulation and behavior

* Populations and ecosystems

* Diversity and adaptations of organisms

The National Science Education Standards (http://books.nap.edu/html/nses/pdf/index.html) are published by the National Academies Press (http://www.nas.edu/).

Geography

Standard 2. Knows the location of places, geographic features, and patterns of the environment

Level III [Grade: 6-8]

Benchmark 1. Knows the location of physical and human features on maps and globes (e.g., culture hearths such as Mesopotamia, Huang Ho, the Yucatan Peninsula, the Nile Valley; major ocean currents; wind patterns; land forms; climate regions)

McREL: Content Knowledge: A Compendium of Standards and Benchmarks for K-12 Education (Copyright 2000 McREL) is published online by Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL) (http://www.mcrel.org/standards-benchmarks/), 2550 S. Parker Road, Suite 500, Aurora, CO 80014

Keywords

whales, cetaceans, conservation

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