Project Immersion: Uses of Baleen

Grades 3-5: Uses of Baleen

Objective Students will learn about the variety of products made from endangered whales and also how the need for those products has been eliminated by the development of modern synthetics.

Materials None

Time Frame 1/2-1 hour

Teacher Background See Mysticetes and Whaling in the Background Information Section
Ambergris is actually from a sperm whale, a toothed whale. There is still limited hunting of minke whales and several species of dolphins and porpoises for meat.

Dive In! Why don't we hunt baleen whales anymore? How did we change from needing those products to being able to make them more cheaply ourselves?

Process Students will brainstorm different types and uses of whale products as a discussion-add in those that students may not know such as baleen (whalebone) and ambergris. Information in the Background Information section can provide appropriate items for the list if students have difficulty getting started.
Then discuss with students how each product listed is now made or obtained from a different source. Have students give ideas for alternate sources of whale products.
Then start another list. This one will cover things in their homes that at one time would have been made from whale products. This could be expanded to cover uses of these products, like oil for illumination as well as lubrication of machinery.

Extension Most hunting of endangered species is now for the black market. This includes walrus and elephant ivory, pelts from big cats and reptile skins for purses and boots.

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Objective	Students will learn about the variety of products made from endangered whales and also how the need for those products has been eliminated by the development of modern synthetics.

Materials	None

Time Frame	1/2-1 hour

Teacher Background	See Mysticetes and Whaling in the Background Information Section Ambergris is actually from a sperm whale, a toothed whale. There is still limited hunting of minke whales and several species of dolphins and porpoises for meat.

Dive In!	Why don't we hunt baleen whales anymore? How did we change from needing those products to being able to make them more cheaply ourselves?

Process	Students will brainstorm different types and uses of whale products as a discussion-add in those that students may not know such as baleen (whalebone) and ambergris. Information in the Background Information section can provide appropriate items for the list if students have difficulty getting started. Then discuss with students how each product listed is now made or obtained from a different source. Have students give ideas for alternate sources of whale products. Then start another list. This one will cover things in their homes that at one time would have been made from whale products. This could be expanded to cover uses of these products, like oil for illumination as well as lubrication of machinery.

Extension	Most hunting of endangered species is now for the black market. This includes walrus and elephant ivory, pelts from big cats and reptile skins for purses and boots.