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Photo - Chris Johnson |
Session 2: Moby Dick -
The largest toothed predator on the planet!
Students will gain an understanding of sperm whale ecology and distribution. In addition, they will be broken up into groups of three, and assigned a position onboard the R/V Odyssey-Captain, Chief Scientist, or Research Scientist. These groups will work together for the remainder of the program. Students will also establish their first email contact with the crew.
Topics Covered in Class
- Ocean Encounter Principle
- Diving cycles of sperm whales
- Socialization of sperm whales
- Echolocation
- Prey species
In-class Activities
- During class, students will be chosen to read their papers. We will discuss questions that come up as well as key points that are listed on Worksheet 1.
- In the middle of class, students will participate in an 'echolocation activity' that will help them understand what echolocation is and how sperm whales use it to find food. (Note: We will elaborate on the details in the near future. We are currently designing the activity.)
- At the conclusion of this session, we will spend a few minutes covering the next session. Students will be divided into groups of three and assigned positions as Odyssey crew. They will be given details of each position - Captain, Chief Scientist, or Research Scientist.
Homework (Research)
- Students will go to www.oceanalliance.org/education/young_scientist2.html to read the logs that correspond to their position. (Note: Everyone will read about the food chain, and their respective positions, yet are encouraged to read about all crew member positions.)
- Students will also be responsible for finding one link to another informative or exploration-based website to share with the class.
- While reading the logs, the Captain, Chief Scientist, or Research Scientist should fill out their respective worksheets (2,3, and 4).
Homework Links for Session 2 by Category ---
Odyssey logs arranged by categories
All students should read the Food Web logs, and their respective position logs. If they have time, they are encouraged to read all the logs listed.
Food Web
Captain Logs
Chief Scientist Logs
Research Scientist Logs
Map/Worksheet Links
The maps and worksheets are made available online. Teachers can either print them and hand them out in class, or have each student responsible for printing them out.
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