Marine Mammal Education Program

Classroom Programs (Massachussets Vicinity)

Marine Mammal Education Program

Dear Teachers and educators, 

Oceanic Society, with the support of University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, is proud to present our new marine mammal education program.

This program brings science into the classroom through lectures by real field researchers, as well as videos, slide shows, and activities. Presentations include topics ranging from dolphin echolocation to humpback whale migration to how to become a scientist. You can chose from one of the many exciting options below (more to come later). The fee is only $20 per workshop. Interested?

Whales & Dolphins (K-2)

Learn all about dolphins and whales!

In this presentation, we’ll talk about the characteristics of a mammal and the body parts of whales and dolphins. Then we’ll explore what dolphins do all day. We’ll talk about what dolphins eat, how they sleep, and what they do for fun. We’ll also talk about different kinds of dolphins and whales, and we’ll get to see their sizes—from the biggest whale to the littlest dolphin—using a ‘whale rope’ to demonstrate their length.

We’ll follow the mighty humpback as it makes its way from the cold waters of Alaska & New England to beautiful Hawaii and the tropical Caribbean. Students will get to experience this marvelous journey first hand as they make their way through the humpback whale migration obstacle course. Of course, we’ll also talk about conservation!

Whales & Dolphins (6-8, 9-12)

This in-depth look at cetaceans begins with the basics of what makes a mammal unique and the differences between whales and dolphins. We will examine the unique senses dolphins have developed to live in their marine environment as well as their extraordinary abilities to communicate and their well-developed social groups. Next, we will explore the world of the whale, following their migration from the cold summer feeding grounds to the warm waters of their winter breeding grounds. We'll conclude our presentation with a discussion of the threats facing marine mammals and conservation efforts.

Being a Scientist (6-8, 9-12)

This course discusses practical applications of science in field research. We'll talk about research methods used by marine mammalogists, and even get to practice some of these methods in the classroom. We'll also discuss marine mammal career options. Questions addressed include: How do I get started? What do I need to get into college? What do I need once I'm in college? What can I do now to help me on my way?

INFORMATION

Send E-mail regarding this program to:
Daisy Kaplan 

To sign up or to find out more details, contact Daisy Kaplan at: 

Daisy Kaplan
Biology Dept.
University of Massachusetts
Dartmouth
285 Old Westport Road
North Dartmouth, MA 02747 

  

Whales & Dolphins (3-5)

In this presentation, we'll talk about the characteristics of a mammal and the body parts of whales and dolphins.

We'll learn the difference between whales and dolphins and talk about some of the different species of dolphins and whales all around the world. We'll compare their sizes using a ‘whale rope' to demonstrate their length. We'll meet the some of the famous spotted dolphins that starred in the Imax movie ‘Dolphins.'

We'll learn a little about their social structure and some special dolphin skills (did you know that dolphins can echolocate and can sleep with only half their brain at a time?).

Next we'll explore the journey of the humpback whale as it migrates from New England to the Caribbean and back again. We'll hear whale song and talk about conservation.
 

 

Advanced High School Science (9-12)

This course covers cetacean (dolphins & whales) and pinniped (seals & sea lions) anatomy and physiology incorporating biology and physics.

Topics will include evolution of the cetacean species and the biology and physics behind dolphin vision, hearing and echolocation. This discussion will cover the basics of the properties of sound, light, and how the mammalian eye and ear function.

Diving physiology will also be covered, addressing metabolism and the body's use of oxygen, as well as the bends and how marine mammals avoid this.