They then have the opportunity to name their own whale tails. The purpose of this activity is for students to gain an understanding of the complex behavior of the humpback whale. Students begin by learning whale behavior terms such as breaching and spy hopping. They then use a plot map and writing tips to create a story from a humpback whale's point of view. To further enhance students' awareness of the humpback, your class may wish to adopt a whale.
Many agencies sponsor whale adoption projects.
Some agencies will send students a picture of their whale and information about recent sightings. One such agency is the International Wildlife Coalition. The focus of this activity is the relationship between ocean currents and whale migration. Students analyze current and whale migration maps and use critical thinking skills to determine the connection between whales and their ocean environment. To illustrate the mechanics of deep ocean currents, you may wish to use the following demonstration in your classroom.