Episode 5
5th March 2013
Activity
Whaling
Key Learning
Students will develop a deeper understanding of the whaling debate between Australia and Japan, linking
their research to the Australian Curriculum: Asia and Australia’s Engagement with Asia.
The Australian Curriculum > Cross-curriculum priorities > Asia and Australia’s engagement with
Asia
Organising ideas

Asia and its diversity

Achievements and contributions of the peoples of Asia

Asia-Australia engagement
Cross-curriculum priorities
Asia and Australia’s engagement with Asia
General capabilities
Literacy
Intercultural understanding
Link Cross-curriculum priorities
Personal and social capability
Critical and creative thinking
Ethical behaviour
The Australian Curriculum > English / Literacy / Interacting with others
Content description
General capabilities
Plan, rehearse and deliver presentations, selecting and sequencing
appropriate content and multimodal elements to promote a point of
view or enable a new way of seeing. Code ACELY1720
Literacy
Personal and social capability
Information and communication technology
capability
Critical and creative thinking
Focus Questions
1. Before watching the BtN Whaling story, discuss the whaling debate as a class.
2. What group were accused of ramming into a Japanese whaling ship?
3. In what ocean is the whaling in this story occurring?
a. Southern Ocean
b. Arctic Ocean
c.
Pacific Ocean
4. What is the name of the fatty substance under a whale’s skin?
5. In the past, what things were made from blubber? List three items.
6. Over the years whale numbers have declined due to whaling which have put some species at risk of
extinction. True or false?
7. Japanese fishing boats are hunting mostly what type of whale?
8. Japanese whalers are saying it is all for __________, but some people believe that’s not true.
9. List reasons why whales are important to people from different cultures.
10. Do you think that whaling should be allowed to continue? Explain your answer.
©ABC 2013
Activities
Which whale is which?
Cetacean is the scientific name which refers to whales,
dolphins and porpoises. See if you can guess WHICH WHALE
IS WHICH using the attached activity sheet.
If you are having trouble guessing which whale is which take a
look at this image for hints.
http://www.reposter.net/images/content/hires/Cetacea_whales.
png
Further investigation: Ask students to create a profile on one particular type of whale.
Create
Make your own life-sized whale



As a class work together to create a poster that showcases the size of an adult minke whale. Include
facts and figures about the minke whale on the poster. Alternatively, for a bigger challenge, make a
life-sized papier mache model of a minke whale.
Host an event that introduces the life-sized whale to other classes.
Take a photo of your finished product and submit it to BtN btn-education@your.abc.net.au.
Make an origami whale

Use the attached activity sheet to make origami whales to decorate your classroom.
Mini debate – anti or pro whaling?
Before preparing for your mini debate invite students to participate in a class discussion on the topic of
whaling.
 In the past, why have people been so interested in hunting whales?
 In what ways are whales important to people in today’s society?
 What do supporters of pro-whaling believe?
 Why do some people want to ban whaling?
 How does cultural identity play a part in this debate?
 Why do different cultures have different values about the treatment of animals?
Watch a clip from the 1994 film ‘The Last Whale’. Whilst the film was made to highlight the negative effects
of whaling it also presents a range of opinions on Japan’s pro-whaling viewpoint. This website also provides
useful educational value points http://aso.gov.au/titles/documentaries/last-whale/clip1/.
©ABC 2013
Consider creating a SWOT chart on the issue.
Strengths
Weaknesses
Opportunities
Threats
Preparing for your mini debate
Working in pairs, students will prepare a 1-2 minute speech for a mini debate on the topic of whaling. One
person will speak for the affirmative and the other will speak for the negative.
Before students begin to construct their argument, ask them to record what they already know about the
topic and what they would like to find out. Students then research the topic to gain a greater understanding
of the issue.
Ask students to list their arguments in point form on paper (without their partner seeing them). When they
have done this, ask them to choose the five best points that will form the basis for their debate.
Students will write in point form, their debate on cards that fit into the palm of their hand. Their debate needs
to have an introduction (introducing the topic), middle (three main points) and a conclusion (restating their
position). Students practise their speech and then present the mini debate to other students.
Sample debate statements
 There is no place in today’s society for whaling – it should be banned altogether.
 Whales are no longer under threat now that there are rules to protect them.
Guide for giving feedback
 Was the information clear and accurate?
 Were the arguments logical?
 Were the counter arguments accurate and relevant?
 Comments about the presentation style (tone of voice, body language, enthusiastic, convincing).
Reflection
 How difficult was it to think of points to support one side of the argument?
 Do you think you would have done a better job supporting the other side of the argument?
Further Investigation
Climb aboard the Discovery and learn more about whales. Where can we find them? What makes them so
special? How are they protected and why do we need to protect them?
http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/publications/whales-kids-interactive/index.html
©ABC 2013
 Related Research Links
CBBC Newsround – Japan to continue whale hunt despite clashes
http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/21538728
ABC News – Sea Shepherd `rammed’ by Japanese ship
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-02-20/sea-shepherd-collision-with-japanese-ship/4530080
WWF – Fin Whale
http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/endangered_species/cetaceans/about/fin_whale/
WWF – Whaling
http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/endangered_species/cetaceans/threats/whaling/
Reef Ed – Whales
http://www.reefed.edu.au/home/explorer/animals/marine_vertebrates/marine_mammals/whales
Wikimedia Commons – Cetacea
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cetaceans.svg
Cool Antarctica – Whaling in Antarctica
http://www.coolantarctica.com/Antarctica%20fact%20file/wildlife/whales/whaling1.htm
Behind the News – Animal Rights
http://www.abc.net.au/btn/story/s2661724.htm
©ABC 2013
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©ABC 2013