Pilot whales' social behavior

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In this Xpeditions lesson, students explore pilot whales’ sociability and bonding and will consider how Crittercam might help scientists learn more about their social behaviors. This lesson engages students in online learning, development of research skills, and whole class discussion.

Students will:

• describe their prior knowledge of whale social behavior;
• read and answer questions about pilot whale social behavior;
• read and answer questions about pilot whale strandings;
• discuss the advantages and disadvantages of pilot whales’ social bonding;
• read and view pictures of Crittercam;
• discuss how Crittercam could help scientists study pilot whales’ social organization and behavior; and
• write research plans proposing questions that scientists could ask when using Crittercam to study pilot whale social behavior in deep water.

Xpeditions provides links to all necessary web resources, detailed instructions for completing the lesson, and suggestions for assessment and extension activities.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Science (2005)

Grade 8

• Goal 1: The learner will design and conduct investigations to demonstrate an understanding of scientific inquiry.
  • Objective 1.01: Identify and create questions and hypotheses that can be answered through scientific investigations.
  • Objective 1.05: Analyze evidence to:
    • explain observations.
    • make inferences and predictions.
    • develop the relationship between evidence and explanation.
  • Objective 1.08: Use oral and written language to:
    • Communicate findings.
    • Defend conclusions of scientific investigations.
    • Describe strengths and weaknesses of claims, arguments, and/or data.
  • Objective 1.09: Use technologies and information systems to:
    • Research.
    • Gather and analyze data.
    • Visualize data.
    • Disseminate findings to others.
  • Objective 1.10: Analyze and evaluate information from a scientifically literate viewpoint by reading, hearing, and/or viewing:
    • Scientific text.
    • Articles.
    • Events in the popular press.
• Goal 2: The learner will demonstrate an understanding of technological design.
  • Objective 2.01: Explore evidence that "technology" has many definitions.
    • Artifact or hardware.
    • Methodology or technique.
    • System of production.
    • Social-technical system.
  • Objective 2.03: Evaluate technological designs for:
    • Application of scientific principles.
    • Risks and benefits.
    • Constraints of design.
    • Consistent testing protocols.
  • Objective 2.04: Apply tenets of technological design to make informed consumer decisions about:
    • Products.
    • Processes.
    • Systems.
• Goal 3: The learner will conduct investigations and utilize appropriate technologies and information systems to build an understanding of the hydrosphere.
  • Objective 3.06: Evaluate technologies and information systems used to monitor the hydrosphere.
  • Objective 3.08: Recognize that the good health of environments and organisms requires:
    • Monitoring of the hydrosphere.
    • Water quality standards.
    • Methods of water treatment.
    • Maintaining safe water quality.
    • Stewardship.