Professional Development in New Bedford March 9, 2009
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Ms. Pavlicek and Ms. McInerney (BHS teacher) participated in a Salt Water Studies Course at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. The weekend consisted of introducing teachers to Marine Science topics which could be connected to the prescribed MA State Science and Mathematics Frameworks.
Ms. Pavlicek & Right Whale Model
We took a guided tour of the Museum, learning about all aspects of whaling in Massachusetts. Some highlights of the tour were 3 real whale skeletons (blue whale, humpback, and the endangered right whale with fetus), a life-scale model of a whaling ship, and historical whaling artifacts.
Whale skeletons in Museum Lobby
Ms. McInerney & Sperm Whale Jaw
Some of the topics included:
-Water & our planet
-Ocean floor features
-Global winds and surface circulation
-Temperature & density of salt water
-Classification, productivity, & adaptations
-Marine vs. terrestrial food chains & webs
-Natural History and distribution of Whales
-Gulf of Maine-Geography and Geology
- Eutrophication
- Marine debris
- Invasive species
-Climate change & coastal impacts
-Energy use and water quality
Model of Whaling Ship
A visit to this museum would be a terrific family day trip!
Click on the link below to learn more about the New Bedford Whaling Museum.
Scrimshaw Collection
Ahoy! Calling all shiphands!
Whaling Scene etched on real whale bone
Deformed Sperm Whale Skull
Pine Glen “Dirtologists” March 1, 2009
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Mrs. Lynch’s grade 3 students recently immersed themselves in the science of soils. They were challanged with solving a “dirty” problem: Which type of soil holds the greatest amount of water?
- Students use balances to measure equal amounts of sand and humus.
This lab team watches the water filter through the sand and humus. They used ordinary water bottles to create their scientific equipment.
- This group pours the water into the soils.
