Whales​ Giants of the Ocean
Lesson 3 | Classification

Lesson 3.0 | What are Cetaceans?

Cetaceans are an important group of animals that live in the ocean, and in a few instances, in fresh and brackish water. This lesson will explain the traits they have in common, and the features that define the categories of whale, dolphin and porpoise.

BY THE END OF THIS LESSON, STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
  • Identify distinguishing features of cetaceans
  • Understand the distinctions among whales, dolphins and porpoises.
  • Be able to distinguish between cetaceans and other organisms according to their physical features.
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​GUIDING QUESTION(S)
What characteristics and adaptations are shared by all cetaceans?
Facilitator Materials

Lesson 3.1 | Animal Classification

Classification is the arrangement of objects, ideas, or information into groups. Classification makes things easier to find, identify, and study.
 
BY THE END OF THIS LESSON, STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
  • Identify distinguishing features of each class of animals
  • Be able to group animals into mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates according to their physical features and behaviors.

GUIDING QUESTION(S)
How can characteristics be used to group animals into similar categories?
Facilitator Materials
Lesson Materials
Wrap-up

Lesson 3.2 | Whales Vs. Fish

Whales and fish are both aquatic animals that share a few common characteristics. But, there are important differences that distinguish them. This activity uses these commonalities and differences to further practice the process of classification. It serves as an extension of Lesson 3.1, Animal Classification.
 
BY THE END OF THIS LESSON, STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
  • Classify an organism as either a whale or a fish using distinguishing features.
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GUIDING QUESTION(S)
How are whales and fish similar? How are whales and fish different?
Facilitator Materials
Lesson Materials
Wrap-up
​New Bedford Whaling Museum
18 Johnny Cake Hill
​New Bedford, MA 02740
508-997-0046