The behaviour of humpback whales changed as seas became quieter in the pandemic, according to new research. 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
We all care about whales. But is our concern for every aspect of a whale’s life beginning to go too far? Just because they are larger than most other animals, that doesn’t mean they are more special. Or is it more than that? Have whales become a symbol of our treatment of the planet: the happier whales are, the more relaxed we can feel about our environmental responsibility? What do you think?
Writing challenges
Humpback whales have a clever way of feeding called “bubble net fishing”. Find out what this involves, then write a set of instructions for telling other whales how to do it.
Or
Write an extract of dialogue between the judges of a singing talent show after a whale has just given a performance.
Investigate
Research basic facts about at least five different species of whale. Why not create your own small set of Top Trumps style cards?
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.