Sunday, May 8, 2016

Whale Mobile and NOAA Wildlife Fisheries

What an exciting week we have had in grade two!  On Monday we attended the Whale Mobile with marine biologist and Topsfield resident, Mrs.  McInnis.  On Wednesday, we were visited by scientists from the Gloucester NOAA Wildlife Fisheries.  Check out the amazing learning which took place!
Whale Mobile
 

Mrs.  McInnis engages all the students with her knowledge of whales.

This is a life sized blow up replica of a humpback whale.  We got to go inside, and hear about a whales internal organs and feeding habits.

Mrs.  McInnis talks with the children about the importance of keeping our oceans clean.

The students learn about harmful litter which can hurt ocean animals.

Many thanks are sent to TESPTO for funding this program for the second graders!

NOAA Wildlife Fisheries
On Wednesday morning, the Steward School cafeteria was transformed into a scientific laboratory, as students visited five different center activities which focused on ocean animals native to New England.  The children enjoyed the educational hands-on activities provided!  The stations focused on:
  • Sturgeon
  • Fish characteristics, adaptations  and dissection
  • The feeding habits of toothed and baleen whales
  • Sea Turtle's eating habits and adaptations
  • Identifying the sounds made by different whales and dolphins

Sturgeon Center:




Fish Adaptations and Dissection Center:


Toothed and Baleen Whales Center:


Sea Turtle Eating Habits and Adaptations Center:


Identifying sounds of whales/dolphins center:


Many thanks are to sent to our very own Mrs.  Ford, who coordinated with her husband (NOAA marine biologist) to share this amazing program with the Steward School second graders!!!  Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Ford!

D.A.S.H.

Here are some photographs from our D.A.S.H. sessions!  The children enjoyed every moment of this educational event!  Thank you to all of our parent volunteers for helping us.