Whales and Sharks: Curriculum Module

Whales and Sharks

An Intermediate Curriculum Module

Compiled by Nan Crowson

Summary

This unit is designed for 7th grade talented and gifted science classes. In addition to science it incorporates technology, internet, cooperative learning, public speaking, geography, creativity and art.

Connection to the Curriculum

“ For in the end we will conserve only what we love. We will love only what we understand. We will understand only what we are taught.”

B. Dioum

Time

The module will take approximately three weeks.

Season

This module can be used anytime throughout the year.

Materials

sharks for dissection
Map of the globe
Post it notes
Large strips of white and black construction paper (rolls in the workroom)
Artists chalk
Cheap hair spray
Overhead projector and blank transparencies
Vis A Vis
pens, pencils
computers with internet access
blank video tape
National Geographic video-Sharks!!

TEKS

7.1A,B 7.2A thru E 7.3A thru F 7.10A,B,C 7.12A thru D

Objectives

The students will learn to:

appreciate and respect all living creatures especially sharks and whales.
appreciate natural resource of animals by increasing awareness of the interrelationships of humans and marine animals.
increase basic competencies in science, art, geography, critical thinking, public speaking, creativity and research.

Procedures

Introduce basic shark information on anatomy, reproduction , hunting methods and social habits. This can be achieved by lecture, National Geographic video, or individual research. I vary this year to year based on time available and student needs.
Have students label external anatomy of a shark. Compare and contrast dermal denticles on sharks versus scales on fish, gill function and fin location and function.
Distribute outline of a shark ventral side up on a paper and internal organ drawings. Have the students research the internal anatomy of the shark using the resource books listed. Have the students color code the systems by coloring all the organs in the same systems the same color. This can be done well in pairs.
Order and dissect sharks. Be sure to order one pregnant shark in addition to the others. These can be ordered from most supply companies. If you schedule a Sea World field trip this is an activity they can do with your class while on the field trip.
Introduce basic whale information on toothed and baleen whales. Include anatomy, social relationships, hunting methods, and whaling practices.
Distribute drawings of toothed and baleen whales. Have students label all external parts.
Have students assemble in groups of three or four. Half of the groups choose a species of whales to research, and to other half of the groups choose a species of sharks to research. Students are to research, size, locations, numbers of populations, adaptations, whaling,and other items of interest. a. As students research and geographically locate their animal have the group write their animal’s name on a post it note and place the note on the map of the globe in the appropriate location.
After researching, each group is to complete the next two projects.

a) Trace a picture of their animal on a transparency. Project it on the wall and trace it onto the large pieces of construction paper. For a math tie in have them draw it to scale. (Use a 1:2 or 1:3 ratio for good size comparison.) After carefully observing several pictures use the artist’s chalk to shade the animal. Art teachers may be really helpful in this process. Spray the finished product with hair spray, cut the animal out, and tape on the wall of the classroom or the school hallway.

b) Each group must devise a presentation on their animal. Each presentation must at least one form of technology during the presentation. Encourage creativity, but remind students that they must convey the information they found when researching. Ideas are limited only by the student’s creativity and your discretion.
Each group shows their presentation to the class using their paper animal as a backdrop. This is graded best by using a rubric. Be sure to video the presentations. They are great to play during open house, PTA meetings, public school week, etc...

Extensions

Obtain copies of the books from Sea World. There are several activities in them that are excellent additions to the unit. To buy them contact Sea World.
Schedule a field trip to Sea World or schedule them to come to your school. They offer lessons specifically for talented and gifted students. The field trip is one of the best experiences you and your students will have, and it is a excellent wrap up for the unit.

Resources

Killer Whales 4-8 Teacher’s Guide, A Sea World Department Publication

All About Whales 4-8 Teacher’s Guide, A Sea World Department Publication

A Visit to Sea World, An Interdisciplinary Curriculum 7-12

Sea World of Texas Sharks and Their Relatives, A Sea World Education Department Publication

Eyes on Nature, Sharks, Jane P. Resnick, Kids Books Inc.

Eyes on Nature, Whales and Dolphins, Erikson, Kids Books Inc.

Whales in the Classroom, Volume 1, Larry Wade

The Ocean Book Aquarium and Seaside Activities and Ideas for All Ages, Center for Marine Conservation (This contains many activities for extension into other science content areas that are great for total science integration.)