Title: Whale Research
Grade Levels: 7, 8
Subject: English, Science
Learner Outcomes:
1. To develop a better awareness and knowledge of whales.
2. To identify similarities and differences in specializations
of morphology
among a variety of whales.
3. To become aware of different characteristics and habits
of whales.
4. To use resources on the Internet for picture collecting
and
whale research that includes specific species, its habitat, and conservation.
Time Frame: Three 40-minute periods
Materials: Computer Lab, Internet access permission,
Whale Facts Worksheet
Whale Facts Rubric
Technology Tools/ Courseware: Spreadsheet, Office 98
Teacher Notes: Students should
be familiar with
1. the Internet
2. basic research skills
3. classification and taxonomy
4. Acceptable Use Policy for the Internet
Procedures: 1. Create 10 teams by numbering off around the classroom.
2. Assign one whale to each group:
Humpback Whale
Killer Whale
Sperm Whale
Fin Whale
Grey Whale
Narwal Whale
Blue Whale
Beluga Whale
Pilot Whale
Sei Whale
3. Using the following URLs, each group will find facts and
details on their
assigned whale and put their information on the Whale
Facts Worksheet:
Discovery
The Watery World of Whales
Whale Times
Great Whales Foundation
Whale Net
4. Using the worksheet as notes, create a poster presentation
organized with
whale facts including a title and a picture of your whale.
Use a Whale Facts Rubric for assessment.
Modifications:
1. Trace and label a whale.
2. Visit Whale
Times; print pictures and
make a poster.
3. Describe which whale they liked the best.
4. Visit Sea
World or another virtual zoo.
Enrichment:
1. Find whale sounds and add to power point presentations.
2. Design a background for the presentation slides.
Evaluation:
Whale Facts Rubric based on presentation to the group.
West Virginia Instructional Goals and Objectives:
English: 7.2, 7.5, 7.13, 7.34, 7.156, 7.16, 7.167
8.13, 8.130, 8.131, 8.134, 8.135, 8.136, 8.137, 8.138, 8.143, 8.144
Science: 7.2, 7.4, 7.7, 7.10, 7.16, 7.19, 7.72, 7.76,
7.78
8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.10, 8.18, 8.19, 8.32, 8.78, 8.79, 8.84, 8.85
References:
The Discovery School: http://www.discovery.com/guides/animals/whales.html
The Watery World of Whale: http://whales.magna.com.au/home.html
The Whales Times: http://www.whaletimes.org/
The Great Whale Foundation: http://elfi.com/gwf.html
The Whale Net: http://whale.wheelock.edu/Welcome.html
Created By: Sarah
Swisher
Barbara Wilson
Jean Wilson
Van Devender Junior High
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