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LEARNING @ NBWM
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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.
​
​GUIDING QUESTION(S)
What characteristics and adaptations are shared by all cetaceans?
Facilitator Materials
Lesson Guide - What are Cetaceans?
PowerPoint - What are Cetaceans?

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 Guide - Animal Classification
PowerPoint - Animal Classification
Answer Keys
Lesson Materials
Dichotomous Key Video
Dichotomous Vertebrate Key
Classification Table
Animal Photo Sorting Activity
Wrap-up
Classification - Think About it

Animal Classification Video Resources

Extra Activities
Fill in the blank booklets
fill in the blank answer key
Is it a(n)...?
is it a(n)...? Answer Key

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.
​
GUIDING QUESTION(S)
How are whales and fish similar? How are whales and fish different?
Facilitator Materials
Whales Vs. Fish Facilitator Guide
Lesson Materials
Whale, Fish or Both Activitiy
Characteristics Activity
Wrap-up
Think About It
​New Bedford Whaling Museum
18 Johnny Cake Hill
​New Bedford, MA 02740
508-997-0046
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  • Home
  • About
  • Explore
    • Whales Today Virtual
    • Docent Moments
    • Museum Topics >
      • Old Dartmouth History
      • Whale Biology
      • Whaling History >
        • Yankee Whaling
        • Lagoda
        • Grand Panorama
        • Cultures of Whaling
      • Captain Paul Cuffe
      • Local Women's History
      • Decorative Arts
  • Energy and Enterprise
  • Learn
    • Creature Feature
    • Lessons >
      • Whales - Giants of the Ocean
    • Activities
  • Create
    • Ocean Beats
    • Common Ground
  • Resources
  • Contact