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Whale of a Sculpture

Whales are fascinating creatures. Students will learn about them and create a model of a whale in the ocean.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

Steps

  • Step 1

    Have students research whales and share what they learned with the class. Whales are air-breathing mammals that live in oceans and seas all over the world. Some types of whales migrate thousands of miles at certain times of the year. Ask students to name different types they know, such as baleen, orca, beluga, etc. Then ask them to name some whale characteristics, such as fins, blowholes, flukes, blubber, etc.

  • Step 2

    Have students create a model of a whale in the ocean out of Air-Dry Clay. They can paint on the clay to embellish the background, whale, and water.

  • Step 3

    Ask students to present their whale models to the class and talk about some of that whale species' features.

Standards

SCI: Describe what living organisms have in common (eating, breathing, growing, and reproducing) and distinguish them from non-living things.

SCI: Convey designs through sketches, detailed drawings, or physical models to communicate ideas and solutions.

Adaptations

Did you know dolphins are whales? Ask students to research the distinctions between whales, dolphins, and porpoises.

Have students find out a defining characteristic of different whales. For example, the loudest is the blue whale, the fastest is the orca, etc.

Have students research the non-profit environmental group Project Jonah and learn how stranded whales are being rescued.