Goals:

1. Students will explore the concept of adopting a whale then decide whether or not to adopt and which whale they wish to adopt.

2. Students will familiarize themselves with the whales and coast of British Columbia.

3. Students will learn to convert English pounds to American dollars as well as to Canadian dollars.

4. Students will familiarize themselves with the internet.

Resources:

1. Adopt A Whale information found at:

http://www.wdcs.org/wdcs/adoption/whafirst.htm

2. A map of the Pacific Ocean focusing on the coast of British Columbia, or a map of western Canada or United States.

3. Conversion rates for the English pound and Canadian dollar.

Teacher Background:

The teacher can find most of the information at the website listed. The teacher will most likely have to call a local bank to find out the exchange rates. The teacher will also want to be sure to have a good map of the given area.

Time: This lesson will take about an hour for the first two steps. The rest of the lesson will take about 45 minutes. The presentations will not be very long.

Procedure:

Step 1- The teacher should have a map of the given area out and ask the class if they know where British Columbia is and what types of whales live there. The teacher may also want to ask why the students think the whales should be adopted.

Step 2- The students will be given the address http://www.wdcs.org/wdcs/adoption/whafirst.htm and told to look at the site and jot a few notes down about what they found out from the site. The students will also have the option to find other adoption agencies on the Internet. When they are finished they should be able to tell the class about the cost, benefits, length of adoption and other pertinant information.

Step 3- The students will share the information that they found. At this point the students should know why people are trying to save this group of whales and why they are special. The students will also have to present information as to why they would or would not like to adopt a whale. They will need to present this as a group.

Step 4- As a class the students will decide if they would like to adopt a whale and if so which one and why, and they should dicuss how they are going to raise the money. If the class decides not to adopt a whale the teacher could lead a discussion as to why they should not adopt a whale.

Step 5- The students will need to convert English pounds to American dollars.

Step 6- The students will compile their money and the teacher will take it to a local bank and have a check written for English pounds.

Step 7- The students will receive information about their whale. They will have adoption papers and other materials that will allow them to continue their learning about whales.

Assessment: The students will be assessed on their participation in the discussions and their ability to do the money conversions

4 points= Students presented information in a clear and creative manner

3 points= Students presented information in a somewhat clear and creative manner

2 points= Students presented information in a clear manner

1 point= Students did not present information

Curricular Strands and Major Concepts:

1. Math- The students will be converting monies which will enhance their math skills.

2. Social Studies/ Geography- The students need to know where British Columbia is. They will need to read a map to locate it and where this particular pod of whales lives.

3. Communication Arts- Students will be orally communicating in small group or class settings, which will enhance their confidence, verbal speaking skills, and oral organization of their thoughts.

Possible Extension:

1. The students could find other adoption programs and evaluate them as to which is the best program for the adopter and adoptee. The teacher could also expand on the money conversion and explain and explore the reasons that each country has different monies and why each countries economy depends on the others.

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