Tag: whales

Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Main

Hello! Whales Can Imitate Human Speech

SCIENCE Killer whales able to copy words such as ‘hello’ and ‘bye bye’ as well as sounds from other orcas. (Guardian) What other animal sounds can whales imitate? Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas An orca named Wikie has quasi-successfully imitated basic human speech. According to the Guardian, what two elements make genuine human speech possible? … Continue reading Hello! Whales Can Imitate Human Speech

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Classroom Ideas, Creature Feature, Current Event Connection, Main

Unicorns of the Sea Get Brain Freeze

ENVIRONMENT Narwhals’ hearts beat only a few times a minute while escaping danger, adding to stress on their bodies from human interactions. (National Geographic) What adaptations help narwhals survive in the Arctic? Help students brainstorm with our activity. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas A new study examines narwhals’ response to fear or stress. What … Continue reading Unicorns of the Sea Get Brain Freeze

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Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Main

Whale Goes Native in the Dolphin Pool

SCIENCE When captive beluga whale moved to a home where her only companions were dolphins, she adapted quickly. She started imitating the unique whistles of the dolphins, and stopped making a signature beluga call altogether. (Discover) What are other examples of interspecies communication? Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas New research documents a fascinating account … Continue reading Whale Goes Native in the Dolphin Pool

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Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Main

Why Did Whales Get So Big?

SCIENCE According to new research, it was only recently in whales’ evolutionary history that they became so enormous. (Smithsonian) Use our activity to size yourself up to a blue whale! Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas A new study analyzes the evolution of baleen whales. What are baleen whales? Baleen whales (Mysticeti) are huge, carnivorous … Continue reading Why Did Whales Get So Big?

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Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Main

Fisheries Get Roped Into Conservation

ENVIRONMENT North Atlantic right whales face a dangerous thicket of fishing gear. Fishermen and scientists alike are looking for an answer that satisfies all mammals involved. (Christian Science Monitor) Use our great activity to map threats to North Atlantic right whales. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas According to the Christian Science Monitor and the … Continue reading Fisheries Get Roped Into Conservation

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