|
 The Marine Mammal Center brings educational programs to your location in our van:
Our traveling outreach van brings the world of marine mammals to your school. Real specimens such as bones, tanned pelts, and baleen transform your classroom into a marine mammal museum. All presentations include hands-on activities and exploration of specimens. Programs teach about the lives of marine mammals as well as the bigger picture of caring for the marine environment. The Marine Mammal Center is a wildlife hospital; therefore we do not bring live animals. You may select from the following presentations (but remember that our van can only carry the materials for one topic at a time; your chosen program can be repeated up to four times in a day for up to 40 students at a time). There is a two-program minimum requirement to book the Whale Bus. Best season: All year
You may download a flier by clicking here.
Whale Bus Topics
- WONDERFUL WHALES
Beautiful, mysterious, and magnificent, whales fascinate many of us. Learn about different types of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) by examining specimens, including baleen and bones from different species. Participants second grade and up assemble the skeleton from a pilot whale; younger grades perform "whale dress up" and whale length activities. (Pre-K and K program; and 1st to 5th grade program; show and tell discussion)
- PLAYFUL PINNIPEDS
Amusing seals, sea lions, and walruses have unique and interesting traits that we explore in this presentation. By examining taxidermied mounts, pelts and bones, students learn to distinguish seals from sea lions, and learn about the natural history and behavior of these animals they may see in the area. (Pre-K to 5th grade; show and tell discussion)
- MARINE MAMMALS OF CALIFORNIA
Many species of marine mammals frequent the California coast, including seals, sea lions, sea otters, whales and dolphins. In this comprehensive overview, learn about their natural history and where to see them. (Pre-K and K program without slide show; and 1st to 5th grade program with slide show)
- OUTRAGEOUS OTTERS
Fun-loving sea and river otters are the focus of this presentation. Learn about the aquatic adaptations and playful antics of these species with activities and specimens to help students understand how they eat, the importance of the kelp forest habitat, and why they sometimes have purple teeth. (Pre-K to 5th grade; show and tell discussion)
- MARINE MAMMAL EXPLORATION
By comparing furs and skulls, exploring different adaptations, and discovering environmental threats, students study marine mammals in a cooperative, interactive style, which includes some reading and writing. Prerequisite: Basic marine mammal background. (6th to 12th grade; activity stations)
- MARINE CAREERS
With increasing concern about the environment, there is heightened interest in marine sciences. Let us introduce your students to the range of careers in marine science. Through hands-on labs, students experience techniques marine scientists employ during their workday. (6th to 12th grade; slide show and activity stations)
- ADVENTURES IN ANATOMY
Humans and marine mammals share many similar anatomical characteristics, yet they have adapted over time to thrive in different environments. Compare and contrast bones, skulls, and skeletal structures from seals, sea lions, sea otters, manatees, whales and humans. This program is designed to correspond with 7th Grade Live Science Standards. (7th-12th grade; activity stations)
The Whale Bus Guidelines and Rates
-
The Whale Bus programs can be:
- A complete learning experience at your site.
- Preparation for a trip to The Marine Mammal Center or for our Sea Lions In the City program.
-
In keeping with our mission of rescuing
and rehabilitating sick and injured marine mammals, we
do not bring live animals to your group.
-
At your site, we will need:
- A room with 2 to 5 tables for specimens or learning
stations.
- Some programs require a darkened room with a blank wall or screen for slide
presentations.
- Room access (45 minutes) ONE HOUR before and after the program.
- Assistance of an adult or older student for unloading
and loading
- For multiple presentations, we do only one type of program
each day.
We need to stay in one room with 15 minutes between presentations.
Program length: One hour (45 minutes for Pre-K/K).
Group size: Up to 40 students for 1st - 12th grades. Up to 30 students for Pre-K/K.We can teach up to four presentations in one day, reaching up to 160 students.
Rates: Schools, non-profits:
2 Presentations $140 each ($120 Pre-K/K) plus travel fee;
3-4 Presentations $130 each ($110 Pre-K/K) plus travel fee
General Public: $150/hour plus travel fee
2 or 3 presentation minimum in all areas.
Travel fees: Fees are based on round trip miles calculated using the government mileage reimbursement rate to your location from The Marine Mammal Center plus any bridge toll. There is a $20 minimum mileage fee for all Whale Bus programs.
All prices subject to change without notice.
How
to schedule a program
|
The
Whalebus 