Project Immersion: Anatomy: Form & Function

Grades 6-8: Anatomy Lesson

Objective Students will learn the function of several body features.

Materials None.

Time Frame 1/2-1 hour

Teacher Background See Basic Biology, Mysticetes, and Odontocetes in the Background Information section

Dive In! Why do cetaceans' bodies show certain features? What advantage do they give to these animals?

Process Begin this activity by encouraging students to share their experiences with cetaceans, from whalewatches, movies, documentaries, magazines, and literature. It may also help if pictures or other visual items are available for students to look at. While doing this, have students describe the features of the cetaceans by asking questions such as, What was the shape of the tail? Where are the nostrils located? Was their skin smooth or rough? In addition to physical traits you can list actions like spouting and jumping, as they will almost certainly be mentioned. List observations on the board for their future reference.
After a period of discussion, have students choose two cetacean traits and write a paragraph about each one. This paragraph should include several things, including what the trait is and how it helps the animal to live in the water. They may use traits from the discussion or from their own experiences. They can use the list on the board to help them think about the paragraphs.

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Objective	Students will learn the function of several body features.

Materials	None.

Time Frame	1/2-1 hour

Teacher Background	See Basic Biology, Mysticetes, and Odontocetes in the Background Information section

Dive In!	Why do cetaceans' bodies show certain features? What advantage do they give to these animals?

Process	Begin this activity by encouraging students to share their experiences with cetaceans, from whalewatches, movies, documentaries, magazines, and literature. It may also help if pictures or other visual items are available for students to look at. While doing this, have students describe the features of the cetaceans by asking questions such as, What was the shape of the tail? Where are the nostrils located? Was their skin smooth or rough? In addition to physical traits you can list actions like spouting and jumping, as they will almost certainly be mentioned. List observations on the board for their future reference. After a period of discussion, have students choose two cetacean traits and write a paragraph about each one. This paragraph should include several things, including what the trait is and how it helps the animal to live in the water. They may use traits from the discussion or from their own experiences. They can use the list on the board to help them think about the paragraphs.