Wind in Your Sails Challenge

Challenge Name: Whale Identification

Difficulty Level: Medium, 5 points

Short Description: Research and compare facts about Salish Sea whales, dolphins and porpoises

Submission Requirements: Document/Photo submission

Full Description & Requirements: Whales, dolphins and porpoises are cetaceans, the order Cetacea. Marine mammals are classified as those that live at sea for part or all their lives. The Salish Sea includes three large bodies of water: Strait of Juan de Fuca, Strait of Georgia and Puget Sound. We have 8 species of cetaceans that inhabit our waters! This challenge is about identifying whales, dolphins and porpoises in the Salish Sea.

Select two species from the list provided of whales, dolphins and porpoises living in the Salish Sea below. Then fill in Table 1 answering all questions based only on the whale, dolphin or porpoise chosen. Points will be awarded if Table is complete; no half-points awarded. Submit your document/photo of Table to this Google Form.

Whale, dolphin and porpoise species living in the Salish Sea: Orca/Killer Whale Humpback Whale Pacific White-sided Dolphins Gray Whale Fin Whale Dall’s Porpoise Minke Whale Harbor Porpoise

Helpful link for resources: http://www.acspugetsound.org/resources/index.php

Table 1: Choose two species of whale, dolphin or porpoise from the list above. Fill in the table below comparing the two species. Species #1 Species #2 Name

Weight

Length

Typical color(s)

Does the species have baleen or teeth? What in your environment is about the same size as this species?

Bonus Point Opportunities*: 1. Create a Cetacean – seven additional points will be awarded if you create a physical representation from the species list of whale, dolphin or porpoise using materials available to you. Submit a picture or short video with your Google Form submission.

OR

2. Anatomy Activity – seven additional points will be awarded if you create a poster from the species list of whale, dolphin or porpoise. Include a drawing or picture selected with a diagram of at least five body parts and/or characteristics. Include at least five key facts about this whale/dolphin species. Submit a picture or short video with your Google Form submission

*A maximum of 12 points can be earned for each challenge. Therefore, only one bonus point opportunity may be completed. 5 Challenge Points + 7 Bonus Points = 12 total points