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Animals & Evolutionary Biology

How can whales save the planet?

Project page

About Us

Ages

11-12 12-13 13-14 14-15 15-16 16-17 17-18

Topic

Identity and diversity Sustainability and our future

Format

Lesson plan Video

Duration

60 minutes

This 60-minute lesson plan for pupils aged 11–18 explores evolutionary biology through whales – one of the specialist areas of study for Dr Ellen Coombs of the Natural History Museum in London, who presents the lesson.

Watch a 30-minute video in which Ellen explains the importance of whales to the biodiversity of our ecosystems. Then use the two-page lesson plan to invite your pupils to design an app that could help people to understand more about whales and their impact on ocean life.

Lesson plan

Curriculum links

England:
Design & Technology: Design
Science: Working Scientifically, Genetics & Evolution, Earth & Atmosphere (KS3), Evolution, Inheritance & Variation, Ecosystems (KS4)
Key Stages: KS3, KS4, KS5

Northern Ireland: Science & Technology: Organisms & Health, Earth & Universe
Key Stages: KS3, KS4, KS5

Scotland:
Sciences: Planet Earth
Levels: Third/Fourth Level, Senior Phase

Wales:
Science & Technology: Being Curious, The World Around Us, Design Thinking
Progression Steps: PS4, PS5, A levels