Teacher Information

Standards:

Looks Like Sounds like

Eye Contact Explain that to me please.

Leaning Forward Can you show me?

Interested Expression Tell us how to do it.

Open Gestures and Posture How do you get that answer?

Student Level: 2nd -3rd grade

Time Required: 35-40 minutes

Background Information:

• The teacher needs to have information on the different types of whales.

  Humpback Whale-52 feet or 624 inches

  Ocre (Killer) Whale-27 feet or 324 inches

  Minke Whale-30 feet or 360 inches

  Gray Whale-45 feet or 540 inches

• The teacher needs to know how to convert feet to inches.

1 foot = 12 inches

• The teacher needs to know how to graph the different information on whales.
• The teacher needs to have knowledge on measurement.

Prerequisite Information:

• The students will need to have previous knowledge on how to use a ruler.
• The students will need to know how to do basic graphing.
• The students will need to know basic ocean life information.

Materials:

• Masking tape
• Yard stick
• Worksheet for graph/conversions
• Books on oceans/whales
• Pencil
• Calculators
• Crayola markers

Group Size: 5

Roles of Group Members:

• Materials
• Recorder
• Measurement
• Taper
• Counter
1. Teaching Procedures

   Introduction of Lesson:

   • Hook: Has anyone ever been to the ocean or to visit Sea World? If so, did you notice the whales? Whales are great big, just like Moms and Dads are to babies.
   • Today we are going to measure four types of whales that live in the ocean.
   • Tell the students the four types of whales that will be measured and write them on the board.
   • Check knowledge of ruler skills.

   Procedure:

   • Divide class into groups of five by counting off around the room.
   • Have the students get into their groups that they were assigned.
   • Assign each member of the group a role.
   • Explain the roles of the group:

     Materials: Gets group materials

     Recorder: Records conversions of the group whale

     Measurement: Measures the whale with the yardstick down the hall

     Taper: Tapes down the whale's measurements

     Counter: Lets group know how far they've gone with their measurement

      

   • Have groups draw for their whale to measure.
   • Introduce conversion.
   • Ask students if they know how many inches are in one foot.
   • Write on board: 1 foot = 12 inches
   • Do more examples on the board

     20 feet = 240 inches

     32 feet = 384 inches

     61 feet = 732 inches

     (Explain using the calculator to multiply the number of feet by twelve.)

   • Explain measurement activity:
     1. Students will measure their particular whale in the hallway using masking tape and yardsticks to illustrate the length of their whale in inches.
     2. Have each group convert the measurement of their whale from feet to inches, and record on the worksheet.
   • Call each group to the hallway, checking each group's conversions and let the group begin the measurement activity. (Group materials will be located on the front table in the classroom. Groups may pick up materials on the way to the hallway.)
   • Monitor groups for safety and make sure they are on task.
   • When done, have the recorder write the name of their whale on the tape.
   • Have students sit down next to their whale to compare the lengths of all the whales.
   • Come back into the classroom and contrast the whales by completing a graph worksheet.
   • End lesson by having a class discussion about the different types and sizes of whales and how they compare to the different sizes of people.

    

   Positive Interdependence: Each student is expected to fulfill his/her role in the group. The recorder will report to the teacher if there is any problems.

Individual Accountability:

• Each student will actively participate in the group and monitor his/her responsibility in the activity.
• Each student should be prepared to answer any question about the group project when asked by the teacher.

Criteria for Success: The students will work cooperatively in their groups to complete the conversion, measurement, and graph of their whale.

Expected Behavior: The students will check each other for understanding of the activity by asking each other questions during the activity.

Monitoring: The teacher will move around the room and the hallway to find out if the students are following directions.

Processing: The students will complete the conversion, measurement, and graph of their whale, while checking for each other's understanding by asking questions during the activity.

Conclusion: The class will discuss the different sizes and types of whales and how they compare to people.

Evaluation: The students will be evaluated on the basis of their conversions done with one hundred percent accuracy, the measurement of the whale, and the completion of the whale graph.

1. Extensions

   Enrichment: The students could measure a variety of sea life and compare and contrast the sizes of each.

   Reteaching: The students could measure each other (with supervision) and compile a graph of their findings.

    

    

    

2. Resources

   Lambert, David. The Kingfisher Young People's Book of Oceans. Scholastic, Inc., 1997.

   http://www.yoto98.noaa.gov/books/whales/whale2.htm

   http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/whales