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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

A Tale of a Whale: And Why It Can Be Told

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Middle schoolers examine the characteristics of particular whales. In this whale characteristics lesson, students discover the methods scientists use to track whales and attempt to match the unique pattern of callosities themselves. A...
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Handout
Sheppard Software

Sheppard Software: Sperm Whales

For Students 9th - 10th
This site gives an in-depth description of a sperm whale, including its behavior, appearance, reproduction, and classification. The site includes photos and illustrations and an interactive quiz to test your understanding.
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Handout
A-Z Animals

A Z Animals: Animal Facts: Sperm Whale (Physeter Macrocephalus)

For Students 9th - 10th
This entry identifies the defining characteristics of the Physeter Macrocephalus, more commonly known as the sperm whale.
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Handout
Enchanted Learning

Enchanted Learning: Sperm Whale

For Students Pre-K - 1st
This clear and concise resource on sperm whales includes a diagram and information on its diet and echolocation.
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Activity
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of Natural History: Search the Giant Squid

For Students 9th - 10th
This site explores, in detail, what is known about the Giant Squid, and current efforts to uncover the squid in its natural habitat.
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Article
Scholastic

Scholastic News: Swimming With Whales

For Students 3rd - 8th
A group of whales was recently discovered to be swimming with a dolphin, who appears to be accepted as part of the group. This is a rare activity for whales.
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Handout
Canadian Museum of Nature

Canadian Museum of Nature: Sperm Whale

For Students 9th - 10th
Briefly described are the appearance, characteristics and location of the Sperm Whale, the largest toothed mammal in the world.
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Handout
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of Natural History: American Mammals: Pygmy Sperm Whale

For Students 4th - 8th
Pygmy sperm whales are usually seen in small groups of six or fewer individuals, but there are few documented sightings. They tend to stay in deep water, beyond the continental shelf, and not much is known about their behavior. Learn...
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Handout
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of Natural History: American Mammals: Sperm Whale

For Students 4th - 8th
Sperm whales can dive deeper than 1.6 km and stay under for 90 minutes, although shorter, shallower dives are more usual. Learn more about the Physeter catodon (Physeter macrocephalus), more commonly known as a Sperm Whale, in this...
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Handout
Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of Natural History: American Mammals: Dwarf Sperm Whale

For Students 4th - 8th
The dwarf sperm whale is similar to the pygmy sperm whale, but is smaller and has a larger, taller dorsal fin, higher on its back, that looks like the dorsal fin of a bottlenose dolphin. Dwarf sperm whales live in small social groups....