Scientists in Egypt have discovered an ancient species of four-legged whale that lived about 43 million years ago. This resources pack includes an article from The Week Junior magazine, along with a sheet of activities designed to get children thinking, talking and writing about what the story means to them.
Debate
The overwhelming majority of people now view the idea of evolution as fact for all practical purposes. But have we become too ready to accept scientists’ words as truth? After all, no one was around to see these “walking whales” so any conclusions drawn from their fossils are only guesswork. Shouldn’t we be more doubting of what researchers present as fact? Or should we become more trusting of experts once again? Isn’t it time we rediscovered our faith in those who can back their ideas with a great deal of knowledge, experience and scientific method and learn to reject less reliable sources of information? What do you think?
Writing challenges
Imagine that you were sitting beside the sea and you saw one of these creatures. Write a personal recount of what you witnessed.
Or
Imagine your own unusual or surprising creature, combining different aspects of multiple animals that currently exist. Create a detailed fact file about it.
Investigate
The article describes whales as having evolved from deer-like creatures. Research and summarise the evidence that whales’ ancestors were land animals.
Find the entire series of Topical Tuesday resources to download here.
What is The Week Junior?
The Week Junior magazine looks at current affairs and helps children make sense of the world, provides context and clarity to complex issues, improves general knowledge and encourages discussion and debate.
To find out more about The Week Junior and to download its free resources, please go to schools.theweekjunior.co.uk.