Activity Descriptions/Instructions	Answer Keys
Words to Know • Students use this interactive, multiple-choice activity to become familiar with lesson vocabulary words. • In each exercise, students read a sentence containing a vocabulary word, then use context clues from the sentence to select the best definition for that word. • Students must select the correct definition for the current exercise in order to move to the next exercise.	1. extinct: no longer existing 2. cetacean: belonging to the group, or order, of sea mammals that includes whales and dolphins 3. krill: small, shrimplike shellfish 4. migrations: movements from one place to another 5. pods: groups or schools of sea mammals, such as whales, seals, or dolphins 6. acrobats: people or animals that jump, tumble, or do other feats requiring great skill and strength 7. propel: move forward
Before You Read: The Largest Animals Ever • Students use their prior knowledge of whales to create a word web, which they then share with a partner. • Students learn some interesting facts about whales. • Students are directed to print out or copy the worksheet (if needed) before proceeding to the reading selection.
"Graceful Giants of the Sea" • (Skill: Main Idea/Details) • Students read this nonfiction selection about humpback whales. • Students complete the worksheet. The worksheet contains a chart that students use as they read the selection to keep track of the main ideas and supporting details in the selection. Skill Reminder: Each paragraph in a piece of writing usually contains a sentence that states the main idea as well as details that support that idea. Good readers look for the main ideas in a selection to help them understand the writer's most important points.	Worksheet: What is the main idea of "Graceful Giants of the Sea"? Answers will vary. Example: Humpback whales are fascinating sea creatures. Students' responses will vary, but the chart should include the information that follows: • Paragraph 2: Supporting Detail -- They use the baleen like a strainer to catch and eat small sea animals. • Paragraph 3: Supporting Details -- They spend the summer in cold waters and the winter in warm waters. They give birth in warm waters. • Paragraph 4: Main Idea -- Humpbacks are amazing acrobats. • Paragraph 5: Main Idea -- Humpbacks are famous for their strangely beautiful songs. Supporting Details -- Their songs are the most complex of all whale songs. Humpback songs are made of patterns of repeating high and low notes. The songs can last more than 20 hours. No one knows why humpbacks sing.
Rate Yourself Students use this self-evaluation to assess their performance in the reading lesson.
Sea Mammals in Aquariums: Making a Persuasive Poster • Students print a worksheet to take home that invites them to talk with family members about sea mammals that are kept in aquariums. Students make a list of reasons for and against keeping these animals in captivity, decide which point of view they support, and create a persuasive poster to present their opinion. Students are encouraged to share their posters with classmates. • You may want to conduct a class discussion of sea mammals in captivity, using students' posters as a launching point for discussion.	Evaluation Guidelines Look for the following as you review students' posters: • Does the poster clearly state the student's opinion? • Does the poster include reasons that support the student's opinion? • Does the poster do a good job of persuading the reader? • Is the poster thoughtfully organized, and does it have visual impact?