Creature Comforts Teacher GuideCreature Comforts: Space Teacher Guide Grades 3-4 • Science • Lesson Plan Objective Students will understand the concept of territory and migration as it relates to the biological need for Space. They will map a specific migration route and calculate distances using a scale. Materials Needed Space Seekers Slides Whale Wanderer Map Ocean Mail Postcard Rulers (metric/cm) Blue & Orange Pencils Timeline 5m Warm-up: Personal Space 15m Video & Discussion 20m Migration Mapping Activity 10m Reflection Postcard Instructional Steps 1. Warm-up: How Much Room? (5 min) Ask students: "How much space do you need to be happy?" "Could you live in just your bedroom for a whole year? What if the whole playground was your only space? Why do we need more space for different activities (running, playing, sleeping)?" 2. Video Viewing: Space (15 min) Watch the 'Space' section (3:17-4:53). Focus on these key vocabulary words: Territory Area an animal defends Migration Seasonal movement Pack A group of wolves Pause at 4:22: Look closely at the description of the Humpback route. They go from Antarctica (cold, food-rich) to Northern Australia (warm, breeding). 3. Activity: Migration Mapping (20 min) Distribute the Whale Wanderer Map. Students use a blue pencil to mark the feeding grounds (Antarctica) and an orange pencil for the breeding grounds (N. Australia). Draw the path along the east coast of Australia. Math Integration: Use rulers to measure the line. Key: 1 cm = 1,000 km. If the line is ~8 cm, the distance is 8,000 km! 4. Reflection: Postcard (10 min) Students write as if they are the whale. They must explain where they are going and why (Winter is coming, need warm water for babies!). Teacher's Answer Key Mapping Facts Antarctica: Cold, nutrient-rich water (Food!) N. Australia: Warm, protected water (Breeding/Birth) Distance: Approx. 8,000 - 10,000 km. Discussion Questions Why can't they stay in Antarctica all year? (Too cold for calves) Why can't they stay in Australia? (Not enough food/krill)
Space Seekers PresentationSpace Seekers Understanding Territory, Migration, and the Big Blue Ocean 3rd-4th Grade Science Warm-Up Question How much space do YOU need? "Think about your bedroom versus the school playground. When do you need more room?" Sleeping? Playing Tag? Watch & Learn Embedded media Focus on the "Space" Section (3:17 - 4:53) Word Watch Territory The specific area an animal or group lives in and defends from others. — Think: A wolf pack's home turf Migration The seasonal movement of animals from one region to another. — Think: Whales heading North The Giant Journey 1 Summer: Antarctica Cold, but full of delicious krill (Food!) 2 Winter: N. Australia Warm, calm waters for babies (Safety!) THOUSANDS OF KILOMETERS Your Mission DRAW The route on your map MEASURE Using your cm ruler SOLVE 1 cm = 1,000 km
Whale Wanderer WorksheetWhale Wanderer Map MIGRATION TRACKER • GRADE 3-4 SCIENCE Explorer Name Date Mission Instructions: Label ANTARCTICA at the bottom. Color it BLUE (Feeding Grounds). Label AUSTRALIA. Color the top part ORANGE (Breeding Grounds). Draw a dotted line following the path from the bottom of the map up to Northern Australia. Measure your line and calculate the distance using the scale! Australia Antarctica Map Scale 1 cm = 1,000 km The Big Journey How far does the whale swim? My line measures: cm Total Distance: km Why move? Why doesn't the whale stay in just one place?
Ocean Mail ReflectionOcean Mail: Postcard Reflection Space & Migration Reflection Activity First Class Whale Mail Front of Postcard Draw a picture of yourself (the whale) on your long journey! Your Message Explain why you are moving and where you are going! Dear Your Whale Friend, To: Teacher Tip: Encourage students to mention "Antarctica", "Australia", "Food", and "Babies" in their message!
