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For Educators |
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Guided Tours The Museum's Gallery of Whales is a great way for students to receive a personal introduction to the whales of the Pacific Northwest. Led by Museum educators, tours provide a unique experience that enhances your group's understanding and appreciation of whales and the marine habitat. |
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Education Programs at The Whale Museum Have you ever lounged within the rib cage of a killer whale? Did you know killer whales can live into their 80's or 90's? Have you ever seen how big a humpback whale is at birth? Southern Resident Killer Whales: From an Endangered Species to a Thriving Population: During this engaging and interactive program, kids can learn about the biology, ecology, social structure, behaviors, endangered status, threats, and conservation measures surrounding our local orcas. They will learn about the federal recovery plan for these animals, then they will then be asked to take a pledge promising to do their part to help the Southern Resident Killer Whales. Cetaceans of the Salish Sea: This program is a fundamental introduction to the natural history of whales found in the inland waters of the Salish Sea. The class begins with a slide show and continues in the Exhibit Hall of the Whale Museum with life-size models and articulated skeletons of whales. Students will also learn about under water acoustics, see whale brains, and hear different marine mammal sounds. Puget Pinnipeds: Come learn about these amazing flipper-footed marine mammals at The Whale Museum. Students will understand the natural history of these animals through an interactive slide presentation, hands-on pelts and skulls, and activities. The presentation is followed by a visit to our Exhibit Hall. |
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Optional Add-On Activities & Programs The Museum also offers additional add-on activities to enhance your group's visit. They include the Gray Whale Project, Orca ID Lab, and an Acoustics Lab with a field trip to Lime Kiln Point State Park. |
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The Gray Whale Project The Gray Whale Project is a popular education program at The Whale Museum. Students participate in engaging activities that lead them on a path of scientific discovery about gray whales and their biology, as well as the relationship between humans and whales. Their learning is enhanced by hands-on experience with a real gray whale skeleton. Click here to learn more. |
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The Orca ID Lab This is a great activity to help students understand how the Southern Resident Community of orcas in the Salish Sea can be identified by paying attention to field characteristics and specific physical marks on each whale. The orcas in this area are some of the best known whales in the world, especially since they received endangered classification under the Federal Endangered Species Act. |
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Acoustics Lab and Field Trip Lime Kiln Point State Park This lab highlights The Whale Museum's Acoustic Research that began in 1983 in the lighthouse at Lime Kiln Point State Park. Whenever the orcas pass by the hydrophones (underwater microphones) in front of the lighthouse they are recorded, along with boats, ships, and anything else making underwater noise. Students will learn about echolocation, the differences among orca vocalizations, and about underwater noise and its effect on whales. |
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How to Make a Reservation We can help you arrange a visit to The Whale Museum, the only museum in the country dedicated to whales living in the wild! Please contact Cindy Hansen, Education Curator, at (360) 378-4710 ext. 23 or email cindy@whalemuseum.org for further information or to book a program. Most Programs are around one hour in length (allow an additional 30 minutes for the tour). The program fees may be paid in advance to secure the date and time of your choice. Methods of payment accepted are Purchase Order, Visa, Master Card, American Express, or check by mail. |
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Tour Rates & Program Fees Activity/Program Fees:
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For Use in Your Classroom: |
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Gentle Giants of the Salish Sea - Unit 1 Enter the whales’ world with Gentle Giants of the Salish Sea, an innovative, exciting, and interactive curriculum designed to enhance your learning potential. This program is easy for kids and adults alike to use and understand. So, come experience how the whales live by learning about these magnificent marine mammals and their connection to the ocean ecosystem. Click here to launch the course! |
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Marine Mammals of the Salish Sea Download a chapter (PDF) from the San Juan Nature Institute Teachers' Guide, compiled by The Whale Museum's former Curator Albert Shepard. |
Click here to download Adobe Reader. |
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The Whale Museum is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization registered with the Secretary of State in Olympia, Washington. b |