WDCS shifted gears this week and headed west to George Mitchell Elementary in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. We packed up baleen, a dolphin skull, and of course Delilah (our life size blow up of a North Atlantic Right Whale) with one intention: to talk to the second grade class about Cetaceans. Little did we know that these students would be so knowledgeable that they actually would be teaching us something! In fact, one little girl was able to identify the mother of one of the humpbacks we had a picture of. The information the students already knew about Cetaceans was a true reflection on the terrific teachers who work at the school.
Each presentation had every student eager to get involved, especially when it came to climbing into Delilah. We talked about a whole array of topics, from migration to the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale. The blubber glove was a hit and helped to illustrate the use of blubber and the fact that whales, which are mammals too, can survive the winter in our cold waters. By using cooking lard in a zip lock bag and sticking the hand of a blind folded student into a bowl of hot and bowl of cold water we were able to illustrate one of the uses of blubber. We looked at the differences between toothed and baleen whales, how they fed, and what they fed upon. We are positive the students loved the gummy fish we used to show how baleen whales feed, especially the fact they would get to eat one at the end.
Climbing into Delilah was the highlight for these students. Delilah has a special story. Delilah was struck by a vessel in 1992 in the Bay of Fundy and unfortunately the damage was too much for her to survive. Scientist feared that the calf she had that year would not be able to survive. Calvin, the name her calf was given, was a tough gal and has gone on to have here own child, Hobbs. Although it is heart breaking to hear about any whale that has perished, Delilah holds a special place in our hearts because she continues to help educate the public. North Atlantic right whales are an amazing species of great whales and sitting in the mouth of Delilah is a truly amazing and awe inspiring moment.
Two days and three hundred second graders later, we are happy to report the program was a success. We wouldn’t be surprised if there were some future whale scientists in the bunch! Just remember, even though you weren’t able to join us your actions can help save our whales (and our air!). If you are curious what you can do to help scroll through the WDCS website to learn more. A big thanks to George Mitchell Elementary and the terrific staff and students who participated!