Giant Mammals' Big Moments: How Baby Whales Enter the Ocean

In "Giant Mammals' Big Moments," we learned how baby whales, called calves, have a challenging but amazing start to life in the ocean. This mission will help you imagine what it's like to be a brand-new whale calf!

The Big Question

What are the biggest challenges a baby whale calf faces right after birth?

What You'll Need

• A large towel or blanket
• A small cup or bowl of water
• A helper (parent or sibling)

Mission Steps

1. Get Ready to Float. Lay the towel or blanket on the floor. This is your "ocean."
2. Tail-First Entry. Have your helper gently lower you into the "ocean" towel, feet first, while you lie on your back. Imagine you are a baby whale calf being born tail-first!
3. First Breath. As soon as you are mostly on the towel, your helper should hold the cup of water just above your face. You need to "reach" the surface for your first breath. Pretend to take a big gulp of air!
4. Look for Danger. While lying on the towel, look around. What might be scary or dangerous for a tiny whale calf in the big ocean?
5. Pod Support. Have your helper gently pat your back or side, like a whale midwife or parent guiding you. How does it feel to have support?

Talk About It

• What was the hardest part of your "birth" and first breath?
• What dangers did you imagine while you were on the towel "ocean"?
• How do you think the whale pod helps the calf survive?

Take It Further

For older kids, research a specific type of whale and find out what predators their calves might face and how the pod protects them. You could also draw a picture of a baby whale calf with its pod, showing how they work together.

FAQ

Q: My child is a bit scared of the water. How can I adapt this mission? A: You can do this mission entirely on a dry surface like a rug or the floor, focusing on the movements and imagination without any water.

Q: How do I explain the dangers to my younger child without frightening them? A: Focus on the "helpers" and how the pod keeps the baby safe. You can say things like, "The big whales swim very close to keep the baby safe from anything that might try to bother it."