Marine Mammal Mystery Adventure!

10th, 11th, 12th Grades Project 1 week

Marine Mammal Mania: Dive into the Deep!

Nathan Printz

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Purpose

Students will engage in a dynamic exploration of marine mammals through a project that emphasizes hands-on and experiential learning. They will investigate the characteristics, classifications, and behaviors of various marine mammals by conducting research, analyzing case studies, and participating in interactive activities such as virtual dissections or simulations. By the end of the week, students will collaboratively create presentations or digital portfolios that showcase their findings and insights, demonstrating their understanding of marine mammal diversity and ecological significance.

Learning goals

Students will investigate the unique characteristics and behaviors of various marine mammal groups, such as cetaceans, pinnipeds, and sirenians. They will engage in research and collaborative activities to identify and analyze the adaptations that enable these mammals to thrive in marine environments. By the end of the week, students will create a multimedia presentation that showcases their findings, highlighting specific examples of marine mammals and their ecological roles.

Standards

NGSS - HS-LS2-6: Evaluate claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions, but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem.
NGSS - HS-LS4-5: Evaluate the evidence supporting claims that changes in environmental conditions may result in: (1) increases in the number of individuals of some species, (2) the emergence of new species over time, and (3) the extinction of other species.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.

Products

Students will create a digital presentation that showcases their research on a specific marine mammal, including its characteristics, behaviors, and role within its ecosystem. They will also produce a collaborative infographic that categorizes different groups of marine mammals and highlights key examples. Additionally, students will engage in a hands-on activity to simulate marine mammal behaviors, such as echolocation or migration patterns, and document their findings in a short video or report.

Launch

Kick off the project with a virtual or in-person visit to a local aquarium or marine research center, where students can observe marine mammals and engage with experts. During the visit, students will document their observations and questions about the characteristics and behaviors of marine mammals. This immersive experience will spark curiosity and provide a real-world context for their upcoming research and project work.

Exhibition

Students will create an interactive digital presentation or virtual exhibit showcasing their research on marine mammals, highlighting characteristics, behaviors, and conservation efforts. They will include multimedia elements such as videos, infographics, and interviews with marine biologists. The project will culminate in a class exhibition where students present their findings to peers, teachers, and community members, encouraging discussion and feedback.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Virtual Tour Launch - Engage in an interactive virtual tour of a marine mammal research facility or sanctuary to observe marine mammals and hear from marine biologists, followed by a class discussion to spark curiosity and generate questions for research (45 min)	Research Group Formation - Form research groups and select different marine mammals to focus on, ensuring a diverse range of species for the final presentations (10 min) Initial Research Session - Begin researching the selected marine mammals using reliable online resources, focusing on their characteristics, habitats, and behaviors (35 min)	Data Synthesis Workshop - Collaborate in groups to synthesize gathered information into key points, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of each marine mammal's ecological role (20 min) Multimedia Elements Collection - Search for and select appropriate multimedia elements, such as images and videos, to support the presentation and enhance storytelling (25 min)	Presentation Design Session - Design the structure and flow of the multimedia presentation, integrating research findings and multimedia elements cohesively (30 min) Feedback Loop - Share initial presentation drafts with peers for feedback and make necessary improvements based on suggestions (15 min)	Final Presentation Rehearsal - Rehearse the multimedia presentation focusing on clear communication, effective storytelling, and audience engagement (25 min) Reflective Journaling - Engage in a reflective journaling session to write about how perceptions of marine mammals have evolved and potential future interests in marine biology (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Research Report: Each student group will submit a concise report summarizing their findings on two selected marine mammal species, including ecological roles, characteristics, and behaviors. 2. Multimedia Presentation: Develop a draft of the final multimedia presentation, incorporating key information and visuals gathered throughout the week.
Preparation	1. Arrange access to digital resources and databases for student research on marine mammals. 2. Gather multimedia tools such as video editing software and presentation platforms for creating the final presentation. 3. Coordinate an interactive virtual tour of a marine mammal research facility or sanctuary, ensuring technology readiness for a smooth experience. 4. Prepare materials and guidelines for reflective journaling, including prompts and digital or physical journals for student reflections. 5. Compile a list of marine mammals and their conservation statuses to guide student research and facilitate focused investigations.