Tag: marine mammals

Sticky post
Classroom Ideas, Exploring Our World, Main

From the Field: A Lesson Plan on Marine Mammals and Ocean Exploration

Carissa Cabrera, an ocean conservationist and informal educator, wrote this post. The ocean generates over half the world’s oxygen, meaning we are dependent on it with nearly every breath. The ocean is also a critical buffer against climate change: it absorbs an estimated 90 percent of the excess heat from the atmosphere. Humans are inextricably connected to the sea, the natural services it provides for … Continue reading From the Field: A Lesson Plan on Marine Mammals and Ocean Exploration

National Geographic Education StaffLeave a comment
Classroom Ideas, Creature Feature, Current Event Connection, Main

Seal Scat, Plastic Pollution

ENVIRONMENT Tiny pieces of plastics are turning up in the feces of seals that feed on whole fish, demonstrating how seaborne contamination can move up the food chain. (Seeker) Use our inquiry-based activity to help guide student discussion about human impact on ocean animals. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas New research documents the presence … Continue reading Seal Scat, Plastic Pollution

carylsueLeave a comment
Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Main

World’s Smallest Porpoise Is on the Verge of Extinction

ENVIRONMENT Vaquitas’ numbers have dropped precipitously because of illegal gillnet fishing. (Nat Geo News) Use our resources to learn a little about porpoises. Discussion Ideas The short Nat Geo News article attributes the dwindling population of vaquitas to illegal gillnet fishing. What are gillnets? According to the good folks at the Safina Center, “a gillnet is a large net wall that hangs vertically in the … Continue reading World’s Smallest Porpoise Is on the Verge of Extinction

carylsue2 Comments