Grade 5 Students Dive Deep into Whale Research at Expo

On Friday, June 5, Grade 5 students proudly shared the culmination of months of research and discovery during the annual Grade 5 Whale Expo. Family members, friends, classmates, and faculty gathered to learn from students as they presented projects highlighting their knowledge of one of the ocean's most fascinating creatures.

Throughout the spring, students immersed themselves in an interdisciplinary study of whales, exploring topics such as anatomy, migration patterns, feeding behaviors, habitats, conservation efforts, and the differences between baleen and toothed whales. Through research, writing, scientific investigation, and presentation preparation, students developed both their understanding of marine biology and their skills as communicators and critical thinkers.

The Whale Expo served as the final showcase of this learning journey, allowing students to share their expertise through thoughtfully designed displays and presentations. Visitors had the opportunity to engage with students, ask questions, and learn about the unique characteristics and behaviors of various whale species.

Several memorable experiences enriched the unit and brought classroom learning to life. Earlier in May, students welcomed Nile, an inflatable whale, to campus, providing an immersive and hands-on opportunity to explore whale anatomy and size in a tangible way.

The learning continued beyond campus during a whale watching excursion, where students had the extraordinary opportunity to observe a juvenile humpback whale in its natural habitat. After weeks of studying whale behavior in the classroom, students watched in amazement as the whale surfaced near their boat, heard its powerful exhale, and observed feeding behaviors they had previously only read about. For many students, seeing these animals in the wild transformed abstract concepts into real-world experiences and reinforced the importance of marine conservation.

Students also expanded their scientific knowledge during a visit to Liberty Science Center, where interactive exhibits encouraged exploration, inquiry, and discovery. The experience complemented their classroom studies and further strengthened the research and observation skills that students utilized throughout the whale unit.

By the time students presented at the Whale Expo, they had not only gained a wealth of knowledge about whales and marine environments, but they had also developed confidence in their ability to research, synthesize information, and communicate their learning to others.

The Grade 5 Whale Expo was a celebration of curiosity, perseverance, and academic growth, showcasing the depth of student learning and the meaningful connections that can be made when classroom lessons are paired with hands-on experiences.

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