Project Immersion: Introduction

Introduction

PROJECT IMMERSION Project Immersion is a curriculum resource designed to teach students the concepts of stewardship and encourage the growth of a conservation ethic in a scientific setting. The focus of the package is on marine mammals and their habitat -- the oceans that cover almost 80% of our world. Although the term marine mammals refers to a large group, including whales, seals, manatees, and even polar bears, the focus of Project Immersion is on whales and dolphins. Project Immersion was created in response to requests from teachers and educators who were looking for a vehicle to excite their students about the environment, while teaching sound science at the same time.

Project Immersion is a cooperative effort between the Whale Center of New England and regional teachers, without whom many of the wonderful ideas within would not have been possible. There are 15 activities that can be organized in several ways. Each activity can be used as a stand-alone lesson or as part of a thematic unit while suggestions and additional activities are included for your reference. Teacher background can be found at the beginning and throughout the text where needed. Two bibliographies, one for the teacher and one for the student, can be found at the back and include an extensive array of literature, both fiction and nonfiction, for further learning. They are followed by a vocabulary list that covers many of the scientific terms used in this curriculum.

About The Whale Center of New England The Whale Center of New England (WCNE) is a not for profit research, education and conservation group based in Gloucester, MA. The Whale Center was formed in 1980 to study the local populations of whales about which, until that time, relatively little was known. The Whale Center collects data on many species of marine mammals, including humpback whales, fin whales, right whales and white-sided dolphins. Information is collected in a variety of ways. Whale-watch boats regularly travel from many ports in the northeast to view whales and dolphins. Whale Center scientists use these frequent trips for data collection and photographs while serving as naturalists on board. It is a mutually beneficial relationship. Whale Center staff obtains valuable information and has a chance to share what they learn with the people on board. The Whale Center may speak with 40-50 thousand people per year, many of whom are students. The Whale Center also has the good fortune to own and operate its own small research vessel, the Silver II.

Over the years the goal of the organization has evolved from being strictly research-oriented to encompassing more conservation efforts. The Whale Center takes an active interest in habitat protection and public education through whale-watches, classroom presentations, regional organizations, government meetings, and continued research. Efforts such as Project Immersion are an attempt to help teachers, students, and researchers share in the amazing lives of whales and learn what can be done to ensure that they will remain with us long into the future.

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PROJECT IMMERSION	Project Immersion is a curriculum resource designed to teach students the concepts of stewardship and encourage the growth of a conservation ethic in a scientific setting. The focus of the package is on marine mammals and their habitat -- the oceans that cover almost 80% of our world. Although the term marine mammals refers to a large group, including whales, seals, manatees, and even polar bears, the focus of Project Immersion is on whales and dolphins. Project Immersion was created in response to requests from teachers and educators who were looking for a vehicle to excite their students about the environment, while teaching sound science at the same time. Project Immersion is a cooperative effort between the Whale Center of New England and regional teachers, without whom many of the wonderful ideas within would not have been possible. There are 15 activities that can be organized in several ways. Each activity can be used as a stand-alone lesson or as part of a thematic unit while suggestions and additional activities are included for your reference. Teacher background can be found at the beginning and throughout the text where needed. Two bibliographies, one for the teacher and one for the student, can be found at the back and include an extensive array of literature, both fiction and nonfiction, for further learning. They are followed by a vocabulary list that covers many of the scientific terms used in this curriculum.

About The Whale Center of New England	The Whale Center of New England (WCNE) is a not for profit research, education and conservation group based in Gloucester, MA. The Whale Center was formed in 1980 to study the local populations of whales about which, until that time, relatively little was known. The Whale Center collects data on many species of marine mammals, including humpback whales, fin whales, right whales and white-sided dolphins. Information is collected in a variety of ways. Whale-watch boats regularly travel from many ports in the northeast to view whales and dolphins. Whale Center scientists use these frequent trips for data collection and photographs while serving as naturalists on board. It is a mutually beneficial relationship. Whale Center staff obtains valuable information and has a chance to share what they learn with the people on board. The Whale Center may speak with 40-50 thousand people per year, many of whom are students. The Whale Center also has the good fortune to own and operate its own small research vessel, the Silver II. Over the years the goal of the organization has evolved from being strictly research-oriented to encompassing more conservation efforts. The Whale Center takes an active interest in habitat protection and public education through whale-watches, classroom presentations, regional organizations, government meetings, and continued research. Efforts such as Project Immersion are an attempt to help teachers, students, and researchers share in the amazing lives of whales and learn what can be done to ensure that they will remain with us long into the future.