Whale Lab education resource

Whales made their move towards living in the sea about 50 million years ago. They evolved to exploit this watery environment, developing streamlined bodies, remarkable feeding methods, and, for toothed whales, the ability to 'see' with sound.

Plunge into the world of whales. Discover how their bodies work and explore their extraordinary lifestyles - from some of the smallest dolphins to the mightiest creature on Earth.

Find out more about the whale lab.

At the exhibition

Emphasise to your students that this is a modern interpretation of the biology and science of whales. Get the students to explore this area then discuss the following questions and topics.

Questions for 5 to 10 year olds

• What was your favourite fact that you found out about whales, and why?
• What is your favourite part of a whale, and why?
• What does your favourite part of a whale do, and how?
• What kinds of things do whales eat?
• Turn to the person next to you and, in whale-speak, tell them all about what you have found in this exhibition!

Questions for 10 years old and over

• Find your favourite fact about whales and report back to the class.
• What are the different ways in which whales feed?
• Imagine you are a whale.
  • What do you eat?
  • How do you catch your food?
  • How do you attract a mate?
  • How do you look after your young?
  • What adaptations do you have to help you survive?
  • Which species of whale are you and why?
• Turn to the person next to you and, in whale-speak, tell them all about what you have found in this exhibition!

Humpback whales feeding at the surface with baleen hanging from their upper jaw. Photograph by K. Shorter, Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, Massachusetts, USA.

Three killer whales spy-hopping near Ross Ice Shelf, Antarctica. Photograph by Kim Westerskov, reproduced courtesy of Kim Westerskov

Sperm whale showing skeleton and internal organs. Illustration by Anton van Helden.

How a dolphin produces and receives sound

How a sperm whale produces and receives sound

Whale diversity. Illustrations by Peter Folkens.