Join us for this fun 6-8th grade science course exploring our marine mammal friends! Learn the history, biology, breeding, habitats, and behaviors of whales, dolphins, and porpoises in this science course for all middle school students. 

How to get the most out of Cetaceans: Marine Mammals with MacBeth Derham:

• First, read the course materials below before the first class meeting.

• Then have a notebook ready and available for class notes each live session.

• Read assignments before class meetings

• Watch that week’s recording if you need to revisit information from our live session.

• Do the assignments, quizzes, and any extra work assigned for that week.

• Once the course is completed to the parent's and professor’s satisfaction, there is a Certificate of Completion at the end to be filled in for your records.

Total Classes: 12

Class Dates: Wednesdays, January 8 to April 2, 2025. (No class Mar. 5)

Starting Time: 11:30 AM Eastern (10:30 Central; 9:30 Mountain; 8:30 Pacific)

Duration: 45 minutes

Prerequisite: None

Suggested Grade Level: 6th to 8th grade. Interested high school students are also welcomed to join us.

Suggested Credit: One full semester of Science, Vertebrate Biology, or Life Science

Instructor: MacBeth Derham

Course Description: Why would a mammal live in the water? Wonderful whales, delightful dolphin, playful porpoises...or not? Do they really like us? And are they really like us? And what on Earth is ambergris? Join us this semester as we discover the answers to these questions and more.

Course Outline:

• Week 1: Cetacean ancestors, fossils, whale fingers?

• Week 2: A tale of tails--who's who? Or just a fluke?

• Week 3: Brains, skulls, skeletons

• Week 4: Circulation, respiration, adaptation

• Week 5: The 5 senses? Echolocation, and play!

• Week 6: Range, habitat, and migration, breeding

• Week 7: Baleen whales

• Week 8: Toothed whales

• Week 9: Dolphins, porpoises

• Week 10: Narwhals, beaked whales

• Week 11: Whaling--historically to the present

• Week 12: Captivity (Thanks for the fish!)

Course Materials: Guide to Marine Mammals of the World from National Audubon, ISBN 13:  978-0375411410 (https://amzn.to/3LFcaKB or BookFinder.com)

Homework: Weekly reading and quizzes. Students are encouraged to visit an aquarium, or go on a whale watch, if possible.

Fee: For all 12 classes: $177 if you register on or before November 15, $197 if you register after Nov. 15. (Registration closes one week before the first day of class. After that date, registrations are not guaranteed. There is a $20 surcharge for late enrollments after the course is closed.)