1. Cetaceans.

2. Beak. Dorsal fin.

3. On top of their heads.

4. Eight.

5. Long, beak-like snout.

6. Possible answers: Squeak and whistle, body language (leaping in the air, snapping jaws, slapping tails, butting heads), and echolocation.

7. Melon.

8. Fish and squid.

9. Answers will vary. Possible answers: They are intelligent; they perform acrobatics; they accompany boats; they playfully interact with humans in the water; they protect swimmers against sharks; and they can be trained to perform.

CYBERHUNT ACTIVITIES

Dolphin Defenders

www.kidsplanet.org

This site's rich conservation resources and links — including ocean maps —will inspire your students to get involved! They can read about the endangered dolphins, whales, and other species closest to your area, then write letters to their local and state senators and representatives using the site's contact information and e-mail links. Your class can even adopt a dolphin or a pod!

www.seaworld.org/animal-info/info-books/bottlenose/classroom-activities-ll.htm

SeaWorld's Web pages for kids include a fun activity on scientific names. Have small groups of students follow the steps to invent their own dolphin species and give it an appropriate scientific name. Challenge groups to make drawings of their dolphins within unique habitats. Each group can present its drawings, and explain its dolphin's name, key characteristics, and habitat.

http://library.thinkquest.org/17963/man-and-dolphin.html

Share with students this site's thoughtful material on the issue of dolphins in captivity, then have student teams plan and participate in a debate. Ask: What are some advantages of holding dolphins in captivity? Disadvantages? Encourage students to use the Internet or school library to find more information. Afterwards, ask students to write essays explaining their positions.

 
Go to Kids' page

 
Karyn M. Peterson is associate editor of Instructor.

 
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