Marine Mammal Lesson Plans

Students study marine mammals. In this research based instructional activity, students examine the characteristics and behaviors of marine mammals. They answer a series of questions using the Internet and create a poster to demonstrate their understand.

Students analyze the the similarities of their own daily schedule, processes and procedures and those used at work. They research the career of marine mammal rescue and email questions to a career expert. They construct a display and report to the class on the similarities discovered.

Students investigate how mammals maintain a fairly constant body temperature under various conditions by engaging in an animal classification activity. They experiment with Crisco in gloved hands and icy water to understand the characteristics of blubber and how it helps maintain body temperature.

Students study the differences between sets of data and explain how organisms are adapted to their environment.  In this marine mammals lesson students analyze data based on set criteria. 

Students investigate the orca whale. They participate in an online Webquest, listen to whale vocalizations online, answer discussion questions, and locate and read newspaper articles on marine mammals and orca whales.

Students explore the difference between marine mammals and fish. In this marine life lesson, students conduct a scientific demonstration that replicate the blubber that warm-blooded animals have.

Students investigate marine animals. In this marine animals lesson, students research marine mammals and fish. Students log on to Second Life and explore the habitats of marine animals. Working individually, students produce diagrams of marine mammals and fish.

Students investigate sea otters. In this animal science lesson, students read the book Sea Otter Rescue and identify characteristics of otters. Students discuss why it is considered a marine mammal.

Students identify marine mammals according to specific characteristics. Students read about marine mammals and list their characteristics. Next, students play a Whale and Otter game on the playground to simulate whales swimming across the ocean. Finally students create a book model of a kelp forest.

Students study dolphins' body structure and their environment.  In this mammals instructional activity students examine marine mammals and create a PowerPoint presentation on their topic.