Strawberry Isle Research Society
Educational Programs

The Build A Whale program has really come into its own. Seven presentations were given variously at the Parks Green Point Amphitheatre, the Ucluelet Green, and Strawberry Isle. This is an innovative education program designed to encourage an excitement for the great whales. It is a hands-on activity that gives the opportunity to handle the bones of a real Killer Whale. The bones are put together by the attendees on a framework display that gives the skeleton a real life perspective.

Introduction to Killer Whales:

• Life history.
• Range.
• Culture.

Activity:

• Explanation of the different components of the skeleton as it is assembled.
• How whale morphology compares to humans.
• Internal/external anatomy, habitat, prey etc.
• Status, threats, prey availability.

Conclusion:

• At the end of the program, the participants are presented with a ‘Whale Madness' word-find puzzle designed by Ella Dupuis, and encouraged to join our society. This is a terrific and long term project that the ‘Build a Whale' commitee hopes to send on the road for the winter of 2000 - 2001.

Participants were "Cap Image" Thalassa FR3 (Francs TV program), Wickanninish Elementary School, Elder Hostels and the general public.

Presenters were Dominique Dupuis (Pipot), Carla Watson, Tarah Cunningham, Jennifer Allen and Rod Palm. Program