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Meet the Walrus

Action Challenge

10+ minutes / Inside

Use scientific satellite monitoring of walrus populations to inspire the creation of accurate and informative walrus masks, posters or magazines.
 

Learning outcome: Pupils will deepen their understanding of climate change and conservation by listening to and observing information about walrus conservation. They will use visual media and/or writing to share factual information, while developing empathy and informed perspectives on global biodiversity.
 

HBN FAQ Slice

Instructions

  • Prepare crafting supplies including paper, scissors, colouring pencils or paints
     
  • Introduce the activity and show the class the video stimuli
     
  • Reinforce that satellite imagery helps scientists monitor walrus populations and the importance of this research
     
  • Ask pupils to think about how climate change might affect the walrus habitat
     
  • Create walrus masks, posters, or magazine spread depending on the age and ability of your group. The goal is to share your new knowledge about walrus with others. 
     
  • These could be turned into a wall display or shared within a school newsletter. If making masks, consider taking part in Wear it Wild; wear wildlife-inspired clothing and help bring our world back to life by fundraising for WWF
     

Adaptations

  • Work in pairs/groups
     
  • Teacher/teaching assistants to also create masks, providing an example for pupils to follow
     
  • Use WWF’s Go Wild Walrus mask and compare it’s features with the video

Extensions

  • If you have the Happy By Nature wall map, locate where different polar animals live on a map, as well as Walrus
     
  • Pupils prepare a news report – ‘Live from the Arctic’ – sharing an update on Walrus populations
     
  • Build into a research task, investigating species that share a habitat with walrus
     

Spot the Walrus

Creative Challenge

15+ minutes / Inside and outside

Take part in a conservation science project, becoming ‘Walrus Detectives’ to help WWF to gather data on walrus populations.
 

Learning outcome: Pupils will undertake a real-world, scientific enquiry in an international conservation context. They will apply  numeracy skills, scientific observation and data-handling, while developing critical thinking and an awareness of global citizenship.
 

Instructions

  • Watch the video as a class
     
  • Let the class know they are going to participate in Walrus from Space, becoming Walrus Detectives right here from the classroom
     
  • Show satellite images of Walrus provided and count how many you can see
     
  • Submit your findings to WWF by emailing them to happybynature@wwf.org.uk 

Adaptations

  • Complete just one image
     
  • Pause and discuss at regular intervals while watching the video / use only a section of it.
     

Extensions

  • Share Walrus  from Space with the wider community and create a class/school leaderboard or totaliser – who has spotted the most walrus?
     
  • Link to mathematics learning, such as coordinates/latitude and longitude/data handling
     
  • Find further extension ideas for pupils 7-12-years-old within our Walrus From Space resource pack , developed with British Antarctic Survey. 

     

Browse activities

Pupils and staff at Evelyn Community Primary School in Prescot, Merseyside, on 16th July, 2025, take part in WWF’s Happy By Nature schools programme – helping children get their daily dose of nature through learning and play.
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