During Reading
Have students read a couple of sections at a time. Then discuss the section before reading the next section.
The following tips are offered for discussion after reading each section so in that way they are "after reading tips."
Have students read up to page 10.
Discuss the size of whales. If possible go outside or into the hallway and measure out 100 feet so that students can grasp the length of a blue whale. Mark off 6 feet as well. Have them compare the size of large and small whales. You might want to have the students lie down head to foot to see how many of them it would take to equal the length of a large whale. Explain that a ton is 2,000 pounds. Ask: How many tons does a blue whale weigh?
Ask students to compare the eating habits of the two main groups of whales.
Have students read pages 10 through 18.
Have students look at a globe or world map. Locate the oceans and the poles. Discuss the geographical range of whales. Help them understand that approximately 70 percent of the Earth is covered by water, and that since whales live in all the oceans of the world, they inhabit a much larger area than any land animal.
Ask: Does anyone know where South America is? Have students point it out on the map or globe. Next help them find the Amazon River. Explain that it is the world’s largest river.
Ask: Has anyone ever tasted ocean water? What does it taste like? Discuss the difference between salt water and fresh water.
Discuss the characteristics of whales. Ask: How are they different from fish? How are they like fish?
How do they communicate?
Have each student or small group make a concept map with whales in the middle. Place characteristics in boxes around the word whales and write linking words on the connecting lines.
Have students read pages 19 to 25.
Ask: What about whale behavior makes you think they might be smart?
Ask: Why is it important to protect whales? What do you think should be done to protect them? What other animals do you know of that are nearly extinct?
Go to After Reading
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