Curriculum Materials

Students dive in, taking on the role of a killer whale using echolocation to find prey and learning about the role of sound in the underwater world.

Our "Bears of Glacier Bay" curricula unit is divided into three lesson plans, each taking one class session to complete. They are part of our "Middle School Scientists" series that explore the fascinating research and resources of Glacier Bay National Park.

Students take on the roles of whales and researchers, learning about underwater research and whale communication.

Students will learn about sound and its role in the environment through listening to their own surrounding and the sounds of Glacier Bay.

Learn what the differences are between brown bears and black bears, and along the way, you'll learn how a bear's growth, development, and maturation compares to a human.

In this investigation, students study the identification and monitoring of humpback whales in Glacier Bay National Park. Students will identify individual humpback whales by their fluke markings. Then, students will use these skills in a simulated whale monitoring trip. Finally, students will identify the humpback whales seen and learn more about the life histories of individual whales.

In this lesson, students will take on the role of park superintendent and create a plan to balance the needs of park visitors and humpback whales. The students will examine and discuss important legislation and how it affects the park. They will use facts about humpback whales and park visitation to create a press release about a new policy regarding humpbacks and humans.

Students will become “bear aware” by exploring ways to reduce human-bear interactions and applying them to different real-life scenarios. They will use critical thinking skills to make a list of considerations when camping, hiking, fishing, and at home. Students will conclude by creating a “Bear Aware Campaign” by making posters, creating podcasts or videos, or writing news stories.

*What characteristics distinguish seals from sea lions? *How can careful observation lead to a better understanding of an animal? *How are seals and sea lions similar and different?