Diving into the World of Whales!
Exploring the legend of Paikea, writing whale songs, measuring out a 26m long blue whale, and discussing ways to reduce
marine litter ... these are just a handful of activities included in the World of Whales education kit, released today
by Project Jonah.
The educational resource has been updated and reprinted by the marine mammal welfare charity, who has education at the
core of everything it does. Available free to teachers across the country, the kit makes exploring New Zealand’s marine
environment inspiring and easy.
Communications Manager, Louisa Hawkes, is excited about the new kit, sharing “we want every New Zealand child to share
our passion and enthusiasm for New Zealand’s marine environment. Aotearoa is lucky enough to have half of the world’s
species of whales and dolphins either living in or migrating past our shores. However, not everyone has the opportunity
to get out and see our marine mammals, so the World of Whales resource is the next best way to bring the excitement into
the classroom.”
Originally published almost 20 years ago, the kit has been a classroom staple ever since. It has received a complete
update and now features 12 full colour A1, A2 and A3 sized posters, a teachers resource manual and over 120 creative
learning activities targeted at Primary School children.
“Teachers will understand the power in educating and raising awareness of the issues facing our oceans. By engaging the
next generation of New Zealanders to become passionate about the marine environment, we hope to raise a community of
kaitiaki, looking after and nurturing these gifts, for theirs and future generations,” explains Hawkes.
Julia, a teacher from Owhiro Bay School in Wellington, was one of the first teachers in the country to use the resource.
“We love the kit. It was so well thought out and easy to use. The posters and activities got the kids engaged very
quickly and also related to the pollution and sustainability lessons we were doing. I think every school should have
it.”
The kit was produced thanks to grants received from The Infinity Foundation and the Lou & Iris Fisher Charitable trust.
Thanks to the generosity of sponsor Greenway and New Zealanders who donated during Project Jonah’s fundraising campaign
in July, the first 600 kits will be sent free to schools.
Schools can order theirs from Project Jonah’s website: www.projectjonah.org.nz
ENDS