This is our catalog of courses. We will occasionally adjust the course listing to reflect the addition of new courses and the retirement of others.
Join us for this fun 6th- to 8th-grade science course exploring our marine mammal friends! Learn the history, biology, breeding, habitats, and behaviors of whales, dolphins, and porpoises in this science course for all middle school students.
Total Classes: 12
Duration: 45 minutes
Prerequisite: None
Suggested Grade Level: 6th to 8th grade. Interested high school students are also welcomed to join us.
Description
Why would a mammal live in the water? Wonderful whales, delightful dolphins, playful porpoises…or not? Do they really like us? And are they really like us? And what on Earth is ambergris? Join us this semester as we discover the answers to these questions and more.
Outline
Class 1: Cetacean ancestors, fossils, whale fingers?
Class 2: A tale of tails– who’s who? Or just a fluke?
Class 3: Brains, skulls, skeletons
Class 4: Circulation, respiration, adaptation
Class 5: The 5 senses? Echolocation, and play!
Class 6: Range, habitat, and migration, breeding
Class 7: Baleen whales
Class 8: Toothed whales
Class 9: Dolphins, porpoises
Class 10: Narwhals, beaked whales
Class 11: Whaling– historic to present
Class 12: Captivity (Thanks for the fish!)
Materials and Homework
Course Materials: Guide to Marine Mammals of the World from National Audubon, ISBN 13: 978-0375411410 (https://amzn.to/3LFcaKB or BookFinder.com)
Homework: Weekly reading and quizzes. Students are encouraged to visit an aquarium, or go on a whale watch, if possible.
