Whale strandings

Whale strandings

Pencil and paperOnline interactive
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
Further Resources
This task is about whale strandings.
beached-whales-NZ-web.jpg
Sometimes whales can become stuck on our beaches. Here are some things you can do to help.  
 
  • Contact your nearest Department of Conservation office or the police as soon as possible.
  • Keep the whale wet, making sure you don't pour water down its blowhole.
  • Keep the whale upright.
  • Keep the whale shaded from the Sun.

Question 1Change answer

a)  Why does the whale's skin need to be kept wet?

Question 1Change answer

b)  Why should water not be poured down the whale's blowhole?

Question 2Change answer

c)  Why is it important to tell the Department of Conservation or police what has happened?
Task administration: 
This task can be completed with pencil and paper or online.
Copyright: 
beached whales NZ
Chagai, Wikipedia / Public Domain
Level:
3
Curriculum info: 
Science, Knowledge, Living World
Keywords: 
ecology, endangered species, whales, whale strandings, conservation
Description of task: 
Students are given some information about what to do when whales are stranded on our beaches. They answer three questions using this information to help them.
Curriculum Links: 
 
 

 
Answers/responses: 
 

Y6 (05/1999)
a) Any 1 of:

  • To keep them cool.
  • To reduce water loss.
  • To prevent dehydration.
  • To protect their skin.
 moderate
b) Any 1 of:

  • It could drown them.
  • Because this is where they breathe air through.
  • Because they will not be able to breathe.
 moderate
c) Any 1 of:

  • So that they can get the whale back out to sea.
  • So that they can protect the whale from sightseers.
  • So that they can organise more helpers.
  • Department of Conservation staff know how to care for beached whales.
 moderate