South Australian Maritime Museum Leviathan – The Astonishing Science and History of Whales

Teacher Resource

Years 5 – 7

This digital learning inquiry enables students to engage with the South Australian Maritime Museum’s exhibition, Leviathan. It unpacks the historical concepts of evidence, continuity and change, cause and effect, perspectives, empathy and significance. It also explores the scientific concepts of biological science and science as a human endeavour.

This education resource for schools has been developed through a partnership between DECD Outreach Education and the South Australian Maritime Museum. AUSTRALIAN CURRICULUM OUTCOMES: Cross Curriculum Priorities: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures, Asia and Australia’s engagement with Asia and Sustainability.

Key Concepts:  Function (whale science)  Change (conservation and sustainability)  Perspective (subsistance and commercial )  Connection (spiritual and cultural outcomes)

General Capabilities: ICT Capabilities, Ethical Understanding and Critical and Creative Thinking,

Science HASS / History Inquiry Skills: Researching: Questioning and predicting, processing and Locate and collect relevant information and data from primary analysing data and information and sources and secondary sources (Yr 5& 6) communicating. Apply a methodology to locate and collect relevant information and data from a range of primary sources and secondary sources (Yr 7) Year 5  Living things have structural features and Australian communities - past, present & possible futures adaptations that help them to survive in  Locate and collect relevant information and data from primary their environment sources and secondary sources  Science involves testing predictions by  Examine primary sources and secondary sources to determine gathering data and using evidence to their origin and purpose develop explanations of events and  Examine different viewpoints on actions, events, issues and phenomena and reflects historical and phenomena in the past and present cultural contributions  Interpret data and information displayed in a range of formats  Scientific knowledge is used to solve to identify, describe and compare distributions, patterns and problems and inform personal and trends, and to infer relationships community decisions  Evaluate evidence to draw conclusions  Work in groups to generate responses to issues and challenges Year 6  The growth and survival of living things are Australia in the past and present and its connections with a affected by physical conditions of their diverse world environment  Locate and collect relevant information and data from primary  Scientific knowledge is used to solve sources and secondary sources problems and inform personal and  Examine primary sources and secondary sources to determine community decisions their origin and purpose  Examine different viewpoints on actions, events, issues and phenomena in the past and present  Interpret data and information displayed in a range of formats to identify, describe and compare distributions, patterns and trends, and to infer relationships  Evaluate evidence to draw conclusions  Work in groups to generate responses to issues and challenges  Reflect on learning to propose personal and/or collective action in response to an issue or challenge, and predict the probable effects Year 7  Interactions between organisms, including Sustainable pasts, present, futures the effects of human activities can be  Apply a methodology to locate and collect relevant represented by food chains and food webs information and data from a range of primary sources and  Scientific knowledge has changed peoples’ secondary sources understanding of the world and is refined as  Examine primary sources and secondary sources to determine new evidence becomes available their origin, purpose and reliability  Science knowledge can develop through  Analyse primary sources and secondary sources to identify collaboration across the disciplines of values and perspectives on people, actions, events, issues and science and the contributions of people phenomena, past and present from a range of cultures  Interpret and analyse data and information displayed in a  Solutions to contemporary issues that are range of formats to identify and propose explanations for found using science and technology, may distributions, patterns, trends and relationships impact on other areas of society and may  Evaluate and synthesise evidence to draw conclusions involve ethical considerations  Develop and use criteria to make informed decisions and  People use science understanding and skills judgements in their occupations and these have influenced the development of practices in areas of human activity This inquiry trail unpacks the history and science of whales and the special attachment humans have with them, now and in the past. It investigates whale science, conservation, spiritual and cultural connections. Follow the points on the map and record your responses as you work through the learning challenges.

Students work through 11 learning stations, exploring 5 themes.

Whale Science - What have scientists learnt from studying whales? A Douglas Mawson – Early Whale Science B Strange Strandings C Great Whales and Southern Australia D Cetacean Order E Squeaks, Clicks, Grunts and Song Feared and Revered - How have cultures viewed and interacted with whales, now and in the past? F Aboriginal Connections G Fijian Tabua and Wasekesaka Whale Wars - Why is important? What actions are in place to protect whales? H Whale Wars I Whaling Today A Special Bounty - Which cultures rely on hunting whales for subsistence? J Arctic Subsistence Industrial Slaughter - How and why were whales hunted in the past? K Commercial Whaling

I C H F D

G

E B

K A

J

Inquiry Challenges: Follow the points on the map to learn more about the history and science of whales.

Whale Science - What have scientists learnt from studying whales? Sub Theme Inquiry question Correct Response Background Information for Teachers Pre / Post Visit Learning Engagements A In 1931- 32 the British, During the BANZARE expedition, they Locate on a map or globe of Earth. Discuss what Australian and New Zealand observed through research that whale species students know about its climate and conditions. How cold Douglas Antarctic Research Expedition were being over harvested. In response to might it get? Refer to the average maximum temperatures Mawson – (BANZARE) led by Douglas this finding, from 1935 many scientists shifted for Mawson station. Early Whale Mawson visited Antarctica. their energy and studies towards Antarctica is known as the driest and windiest continent. Why Science & They laid claim to much of the understanding whale behaviours and might this be? It also has winters with a period of no or Conservation continent and studied the conservation. limited hours of daylight. It has summers with long hours of marine environment to find daylight. Think about how these conditions impact daily life. out if Antarctica’s waters View the gallery of Antarctic images that show the types of were rich in natural resources conditions that are encountered. from which governments and Pose the question: ‘What would it be like to live for a year in industry could make money. Antarctica?’ Ask students to brainstorm their ideas and record them using Photograph an instrument or a bubble or mind map graphic organiser. Encourage them to tool the scientists used to tag think about the challenges, opportunities, living conditions, and identify whales. types of weather, seasonal changes, what role they might play, what they might see.

B This large whale skull is from a Reasons for strandings are unclear and Locate Ardrossan on a map of South Australia. Calculate the that was scientists often carry out research on distance and time to travel from the Adelaide GPO to Strange stranded on the beach at stranded whales to expand their scientific Ardrossan, using various forms of transport (car, boat, Strandings Ardrossan on 8th December knowledge. aeroplane). 2014. Once stranded, whales overheat quickly, often dying Create an information poster providing information about from heat exhaustion, lung whale strandings, why they occur and actions to do to collapse, stress or a support whales stranded. combination of these. Take a photograph of the Useful websites for research: sperm whale’s skull. http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/?base=2984 http://155.187.2.69/coasts/species/cetaceans/conservation/ Use the large iPad to learn rescue.html#why about the whale’s features. http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/topics/wildlife/20 Record a video response 16/05/why-do-whales-strand-themselves

describing the skull.

C There are many species Blue whale (31metres, 130 Sperm whales dive to great depths up to 1000 Size comparison chart: Create a pictorial chart that shows a (types) of whales, with tonnes) metres and hold their breath for up to 60 number of different whale and dolphin species in order of Great Whales different behaviours and Southern Right whale (18m, minutes to feed on giant squid. At these size (length). Students devise and Southern anatomy. 80 tonnes) depths there is no light, great pressure and Their own key for the scale. You can extend this into a Australia Use the chart to order the Sperm whale (18metres, 60 water temperatures between 0 and 3 º C. physical outdoor maths activity – using materials such as pegs whales from the largest to tonnes) and string to “peg out” the length of each whale, measuring the smallest. (16metres outside on a school oval or against a hall or gym building to long, 50 tonnes) create a visual graph. The graph should be labelled by creating cardboard titles with the name and length of each Whales have evolved Flippers: front legs evolved to whale, also pegged into the ground or on a wall. (changed) over 50 million flippers to make them years. They were once very streamlined. Try this Investigation – to see how whales adapt to similar to cows and Blood: carries more oxygen to freezing water temperatures. hippopotamuses, but have allow them to remain under https://tenplay.com.au/channel-eleven/scope/extra/season- adapted to survive in aquatic water longer. 2017/diy-science-blubber-glove environments. Blubber: to protect from Use the rearrange tool to freezing water temperatures Do you know of another animal that has adapted to its match the whale adaptations – warm blooded. habitat? Find out more about this animal and compare its to the aquatic environment Echolocation: find and locate adaptions and habitat to whales. or conditions. food in deep dark waters. D Whales can be classified into whales: The distinction between whales, dolphins and Plan and create an episode for a children’s TV Show – 2 groups, toothed whales porpoises is based on anatomical and genetic outlining many interesting facts about Cetaceans.

Cetacean (Odontoceti) and baleen features. Whales tend to be large, 10 metres

Order whales (Mysticeti). body length, although there are some smaller To help your research play the interactive online 'Discovery

species. There is much clearer biological Game' found on the Australia Government Department of the Blue whale Baleen whales have plates of distinction between toothed (Odontoceti) Environment and Government website.

baleen, which hang down and baleen whales (Mysticeti). from their upper jaw. It filters Write a glossary of whale science terminology. the food from the water. South Australia is a very popular destination Baleen is similar to bristles for tourists to whale watch. From Victor Create a crossword or word search including whale and is like the keratin Harbor just south of Adelaide to the vocabulary and facts. Humpback whale substance found in human spectacular 90m high cliffs at the Head of the

fingernails and hair. Great Australian Bight near the Nullarbor Whales & their food Matching Game:

Look at the chart on display Plain. Hundreds of whales migrate to the safe Devise a game that the whole class can play, based on the

and take a photograph of a waters to give birth to their calves. In SA, the idea of matching whales to the types of food they each eat.

baleen whale. most commonly seen large whales are the The object of the game is to match the cards of particular

southern right whales and humpback whales whales to the corresponding card that contains an illustration Southern Right whale because they come close to the coast. Sperm of the appropriate food type they prefer to eat.

Take a photograph of the whales and blue whales are seen further

fringe sieve from a baleen offshore. Create a diorama depicting the food web of a species of

whale’s mouth that separates whales.

the small plankton and krill

from the water. View this video showing how the sperm whale uses

echolocation to feed on giant squid

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DT-TDegf-Xo

Did you know humpback whales feed together by making Take a photograph of a bubble nets? toothed whale. Watch this National Geographic video to view whales feeding on herring. Sperm whale https://www.nationalgeographic.org/activity/whales- Giant Squid, fish, Octopus and benefits-of-blubber/ seals Prey is an animal that is hunted and killed by another animal for food. Circle the prey for the Odontoceti (toothed) whales. E Listen to the whale sounds at Highly social – communicate A whale’s eyesight and sense of smell are not Listen to different whale sounds. the sound station and read to mate and feed using as developed as terrestrial mammals, but Squeaks, the exhibit text. echolocation. their hearing is excellent and whales Watch the video of free diver receiving a kiss from a Sperm Clicks, Grunts Human ears hurt with sounds communicate and hunt using this sense. Whale. Can you hear the echolocation clicks? & Song Do you agree or disagree over 120-130 decibels – can with the following blow out ear drums. Did you know that whales do not have vocal Do other animals use echolocation to find food, navigate and statement? cords like other mammals and have communicate? Use the sliding scale to show developed special ways of creating sound in your opinion. an underwater environment? Useful websites for Echolocation Research: http://www.discoverwildlife.com/animals/what-echolocation Whales are highly intelligent Some species of baleen whale have been animals. known to produce loud melodic tones often Sperm Whales are the loudest whales and have been referred to as whale songs. Many of the recorded making sounds up to 230 decibels. The Space Record a video response to toothed whale species communicate using a Shuttle take off is recorded at 170 decibels. support your point of view. variety of high-pitched clicks and whistles Record an audio response to discuss reasons why it may be which are distinct among each whale. dangerous for humans to dive with whales. Feared and Revered - How have cultures viewed and interacted with whales, now and in the past? F Connections to the land and Whales feature in the myths and creation Kondili the Whale – A Ramindjeri and Kaurna story sea are important to stories of many cultures. Read the story aloud and discuss what can be learnt from the Aboriginal Aboriginal people. story about how to behave, the environment and spirit Connections Find and photograph an Australian Aboriginal people have extensive world. Retell the story in words and later through art, drama, object made out of pearl connections with whales. There is evidence song. shell (guwan) that shows that some coastal Aboriginal people Make puppets or costumes. Aboriginal peoples’ benefited from beached whales including Paint a relevant backdrop and perform the story. connections to the eating of the meat, using the whale bone to Make a video essay of it and/or record it in photographs of Humpback Whale (Minimb). build huts and fashioned water carriers from your art with text. ear bones. People whose totem animal was a https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AA2BQxyH7FI Take a photograph of your whale were not allowed to eat the meat. favourite Aboriginal painting For thousands of years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander that shows a creation story Painting Jidirah and the Bunda Cliff by artist people have used the natural environment and its resources about whales. Verna Lawrie (2017) depicts the following for both cultural and economic purposes in a sustainable creation story: way. The colonisation of Australia brought about rapid Jidirah was on the run from the Seven Sisters changes to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and Record a video response and tried to hide in the Wunna, the ocean but has dramatically affected the land and the way people live. outlining the different they found him, he tried to push into the symbols and methods the Youla (the land) but they pulled him out, then Watch 'Behind the News episode' about Dugongs. Dugongs artist used to portray he went up the coast and found a cave in the have played an important role in the traditions and culture of meaning in your chosen Bunda Cliff. He made his way underground Indigenous Australians, who’ve hunted them for centuries. A painting. and became a great serpent. Slithering group in WA are tracking and tagging them to learn more beneath the Nullarbor his body formed the about them and to protect them from extinction. Aboriginal men worked in caves and blow holes. When you stand near Australia’s early whaling the blowholes you can hear Jidirah breathing Complete a Venn Diagram to show the similarities and industry. They were often not and roaring. differences between whales and dugongs – focusing on paid for their work. anatomy, behaviours, diet, habitats and threats (natural and Do you agree or disagree human). with the following t no a group is chasing them for a very differ statement? Use the sliding scale to show your opinion. Aboriginal workers should have been paid for their work. G In Fijian culture, people have Wasekasekas were made mostly after Watch the BTN Segment about elephant ivory trade and a spiritual connection with the Europeans arrived in Fiji, when whale ivory answer the following questions. Fijian Tabua ocean, animals and objects. (sperm whale teeth) was more common and and Tabua is made from a single Used as gifts and not worn. iron tools for splitting the ivory were How did this story make you FEEL? Wasekesaka whale tooth and is given as a Engagement ring - Wedding introduced. Worn closely around the neck. What did you SEE in this video?

gift, but never worn. Create Money – deposit for a house What do you THINK about what you saw in this video?

an audio response detailing or land Necklaces were amongst the most valuable of What does this video make your WONDER? how Tabua is used in Fijian Written contract – agreement ornaments and were used as presentations to What did you LEARN from this story? culture. chiefs in securing their help in war and in domestic pursuits. Whales were not hunted in Research other animals that are endangered due to Find and photograph a Fiji before European contact, though they poaching/hunting practices though viewing posters about Wasekaseka - a Fujian were sometimes stranded on the shore. So conserving and protecting animals from poaching for human necklace. until the early nineteenth century, whale gain. Choose an animal that needs protection and create a

ivory was only available in small quantities, poster to persuade others to stop poaching. Support your Talk with your partner and Lack of whale teeth available. and used by influential, high-status poster with an information flyer about your animal and the come up with a reason as to Whales are not being individuals. threats it faces. why you think the commercially hunted. Waskekaseka is rarely seen or worn in Fiji today. Record a video response. Whale Wars - Why is whale conservation important? What actions are in place to protect whales? H Whales are an important part International Whaling Commission Despite the global ban of commercial whaling, Japan uses the

Whale Wars of the marine food chain and After centuries of slaughter many whale provision in the 1946 whaling convention which allows in maintaining the health of stocks had fallen to just 2% of pre-hunting whales to be killed for scientific purposes. The ‘scientific our oceans. levels and the industry was unsustainable. In whaling’ provision has also been used by Norway and Iceland Do you agree or disagree 1946 the International Convention for the as a way of getting around the rules. However little, if any with the following Regulation of Whaling was signed to establish useful information comes from ‘scientific whaling’ and it is statement? Use the sliding an International Whaling Commission (IWC). quite simply commercial whaling conducted under the guise scale to show your opinion. The aim was to balance conservation with the of science. Whaling countries issue their own catch limits, Whales should be hunted to requirements of industrial whaling. not the International Whaling Commission. make money. Watch BTN segment to learn more about Japanese Whaling. Record a video response to Whaling Now Is there a better way to gain scientific research? explain your opinion. Give 2 Some nations continue to hunt whales against Write a letter to the Prime Minister of Japan outlining your reasons as to why you agree the IWC. Norway and Iceland still hunt views on their ‘scientific whaling’ practices. Offer at least 3 or disagree. whales commercially – these nations set their alternative methods scientists can use to monitor and own catch limits, and hunt only in their research whale populations and behaviour. The International Whaling Norway, Iceland and Japan exclusive economic zones – the sea within Further inquiry research questions: Committee banned 200 nautical miles of the coast. Japanese Investigate the history of how people around the world have commercial whaling in 1986. whaling ships operate under special scientific used whales. How is this different today? Why do you think it However, 3 countries permits within their exclusive economic zone changed? continue to ignore this ban and the near Antarctica. and kill thousands of whales Japan continues to whale despite ongoing Investigate Australia’s whaling history. How were whales every year for their meat. questions about the validity of their whaling used in the past? How is this different to today? Why did it Use the drawing tool to circle program. What is the Australian government’s position on whaling? the 3 countries that still undertake commercial whaling today. I There are a number of Greenpeace Watch a short video about the Victorian Government’s conservation groups that Greenpeace is an independent campaigning efforts in helping entangled whales. Whaling research and work to protect organisation that uses non-violent direct http://splash.abc.net.au/home#!/media/2438593/whale- Today whales. action to expose global environmental rescue-team

Photograph an image that problems and to force solutions which are

shows the actions by an essential to a green and peaceful future. You are an anti-whaling activist. Write and film a passionate organisation or individual Greenpeace's goal is to ensure the ability of speech encouraging the community to implement actions to that protects whales. Large the earth to nurture life in all its diversity. protect whale species and their habitats. Ensure you use scale whaling is no longer the action words, emotions, images and facts and figures to greatest threat to whales. Sea Shepherd support your argument/position. Many human activities have a Collisions between whales Sea Shepherd is an international direct action negative impact on whale and large ships. ocean conservation organisation. Their Write an article for your school newsletter about whales and population and behaviours. Entanglement in fishing nets mission is to defend, conserve and protect current threats to whale populations. Educate readers on Match the hazards to the and lines. our oceans and all marine wildlife. They act what they can do to reduce harm to whales and their corresponding consequence Whales are susceptible to because our oceans and its inhabitants are habitats. or impact to whales. consuming plastics. dying from over-killing and habitat Noise pollution interferes decimation. They take action to expose and Create a class art gallery of whale inspired art and craft. What can you do to reduce with the communication of confront illegal activities on the high seas. Challenge… Can your art and craft all be made out of recycled your impact on our ocean whales, making it more materials? ecosystems? Record a video difficult to find mates. response explaining some of Create a bumper sticker to promote the conservation of the actions you can take to whales. help protect our ocean Research the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Collect and ecosystems. recycle plastic bottles. Donate the money collected from recycling to an organisation that benefits whales and/or marine environments. A Special Bounty - Which cultures rely on hunting whales for subsistence? J There are cultures today that There are cultures today that continue to rely Research more about Arctic Indians and their culture. (Inuit still rely on hunting whales for on hunting whales for food. The hunting of peoples of Greenland, Alaska and Canada) Arctic food. The hunting of whales whales for food sources is called subsistence Subsistence for food sources is called hunting. Across the Arctic circle, Inuit, Inupiat Compare their culture and environment with traditional subsistence hunting. and Eskimo hunt bow head and grey whales. Indigenous Australians living remotely. (Diet, housing, hunting methods, climate, languages, clothing, celebrations Discuss with your partner why For people living in these communities whale and art and craft) cultures in the arctic circle meat provides protein where food is difficult need to hunt whales for food. to grow and imported produce is expensive. Useful websites for research: Think about the environment Very cold and dry climate. Uncooked, cured whale blubber and meat https://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-american- these people live in. Record Not a lot of food sources supplement the Arctic diet with much needed indians/arctic-indians.htm an audio response explaining available – especially fruits vitamins, including Vitamin C. why Arctic Indigenous and vegetables and other http://beyondpenguins.ehe.osu.edu/issue/climate-change- cultures need to hunt whales mammals. Whaling underpins these cultures. Small scale and-the-polar-regions/people-of-the-whale for food. open boat whaling requires considerable cooperation. It is preceded by ritual and http://static.ehe.osu.edu/sites/beyond/penguins/downloads Find and photograph the followed by sharing the catch, often with /feature-stories/igloo-45-text.pdf image of Marie Rexford, celebration. showing her preparing (cured blubber) for The IWC oversees Arctic and Bequian whaling, Thanksgiving. recognising them as Aboriginal Subsistence Whaling. In Indonesia is an island called Lembata Lamalera is a poor The village Kaktovik in Alaska catches one village on the island and whale at a time so there is less time for polar villagers have relied on bears to come while the meat is prepared. hunting dolphins, rays, sperm whales and killer whales for hundreds of years. The In Lamalera, the choice cuts of go hunting of baleen whales is to the boat owner and harpooner. The lesser Put yourself in the shoes of the Lamaleran people. Why is not allowed. cuts are given to the crew and wider hunting whales important to you and your family? Look at the photograph of community. Oil from the organ is What actions do you, the Lamaleran’s, implement to ensure the Lamaleran woman shared equally, and is used to light lamps. whale hunting is sustainable? carrying blubber. Excess meat, blubber and oil are taken to Record an audio response neighbouring villages and traded for rice and Where is Lembata, Indonesia? explaining how the bananas, which are difficult to grow in Draw a map showcasing where Lembata is with regards to photograph makes you feel. Lamalera. Australia and within Indonesia.

Find out 5 interesting facts about Indonesia.

Industrial Slaughter - How and why were whales hunted in the past? K Whaling became an important Whales were hunted commercially from the Create a timeline on the history of commercial whaling industry in the 19th century early Middle Ages. Searching for new whale including technology and methods. Commercial when industrialisation created populations, nations sent fleets across the Useful website for research: Whaling a demand for oil and whale Northern Atlantic in the 1550s – a pattern http://www.whalefacts.org/history-of-whaling/ products. The killing of repeated across the world’s oceans. They were whales to make money is seeking , baleen and sometimes meat. Create a poster/billboard advertisement - advertising a called Commercial Whaling. While early hunting methods were simple, whale product – think of your audience, images and Find and photograph an item rowing boats and hand held harpoons were language and historical contexts. used and sold from used to devastating effect. The Japanese began For ideas Google images showing whale product commercial whaling. using net whaling in 1675 at Taiji was industrial advertisements – whale oil, corsetry and whale meat. with dedicated shore stations. Plastic was invented to help replace the need for using ivory Scrimshaw is the art of Whaling became an important industry in the for corsetry and buttons. Research the harmful effects of engraving marine ivory. Find 19th Century when increased industrialisation plastic on the marine environment and human health. and photograph an item created the demand for the lighting of oil which Create a podcast to promote messages. made out of whale teeth. could be produced from whale blubber. Modern technology was introduced to make hunting more efficient. By 1900s whaling was fully mechanised and no whale species was safe. Iron hulled steamships pursued the Circle the whale which is fastest and largest whales and cannons and slow moving with plentiful The Southern Right Whale grenade harpoons were used to catch whales. blubber and floats when In the 20th Century whale chasers used killed. powered ships which employed cannons mounted on the bow which fired huge grenade tipped harpoons. These whale chasers were Design your own harpoon. Give a description of its features joined by factory ships that processed the and how the Lamaleran men could use it. whales at sea. This processing was developed Find the harpoons on display. and shared by Norway and this approach to Take a photograph of the one whaling is sometimes called the ‘Norwegian you think has the best method’. Whaling reached its peak in 1937 design. when over 40 000 whales were killed.

Whalers use hand held harpoons from small the bow of a tena (small boat) is extremely dangerous. The harpooner leaps from a platform on the bow of the tena and uses their body weight to drive in the harpoon. Lamaleran’s rejected a modern whaling ship offered in the 1970’s by the UN’s food and Agriculture Organisation because it caused unrest in the village.