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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. 

     

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