Digital Public Library of America
The American Whaling Industry
When thinking about the American whaling industry most imagine Moby Dick and Nantucket sleigh rides, harpoons and scrimshaw, whale-oil lamps and baleen in women's corsets. But it may come as a surprise that the industry was also...
National Geographic
People and Whales: A History
Whales and people have had a long and sordid history. To understand the impact that biological populations have had on each other, learners conduct research on specific topics related to the whale industry. They use their findings to...
Curated OER
Development of the English Colonies
High schoolers research one of the original 13 colonies using the included worksheet. They also record their findings on a poster board to use during a class presentation. Students then take notes on the presentations using the...
Curated OER
Should We Hunt the Largest Animals on the Planet?
Students discover details about whaling. In this environmental stewardship lesson, students research selected websites to locate information about commercial whaling and its implications.
Curated OER
How Do Values Shape Conflicts?
Students work through conflict. In this conflict resolution lesson, students participate in a simulation that requires them to consider both sides of the whaling issue.
Curated OER
San Ignacio Lagoon: Economy or Ecology
Students debate over the development in the habitat of gray whales. In this role playing lesson, students will take on various roles in a debate over the development of a salt production facility in the San Ignacio Lagoon concerning the...
Curated OER
A Natural Connection to the Azores
Students use primary sources to examine whaling voyages, biology, and geography. In this geography lesson, students analyze ship logs and plot locations of animals and determine routes using latitude and longitude.
Curated OER
A Quick Look at the Makah Whaling Issue
Students discuss the idea of values and how they are different for different people and cultures. Using the Internet, they read about the Makah whaling issue affecting the Pacific Northwest. They discuss who has the right and authority...
Curated OER
Whaling Slide Show
Tenth graders research a database on whaling. They search for photos that represent the whaling industry. In the classroom they use a projector and give a five-minute presentation.