Distance Learning
- Grade Level:
- Upper Elementary: Third Grade through Fifth Grade
- Subject:
- Science
Glacier Bay National Park is home to one of the most magnificent marine mammals: the endangered humpback whale. Join park rangers and researchers on a virtual interactive trip through Glacier Bay to learn about these massive creatures, killer whales, and other marine mammals that live in the productive waters of Glacier Bay.
Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
- Understand the importance of studying these species and what an endangered species means
- Identify humpback whale behavior using video footage
- Compare whale flukes by using photos from whale ID catalogs
- Be able to explain why humpback whales migrate from Glacier Bay to Hawaii and Mexico
- Understand how researchers study humpback whales in Glacier Bay and why it is important to park management
Standards Alignment
National Standards
NS. K-4.3 Life Sciences: Characteristics of Organisms
NS. K-4.3 Life Sciences: Life Cycles of Organisms
NS. K-4.3 Life Sciences: Organisms and their Environments
NS. K-4.6 Personal and Social Perspectives: Changes in Environments
How to Participate
Scheduling and Registration:
The Glacier Bay Education Team offers programs in January and February each year. Rangers start taking requests on December 1st and will process requests in the order in which they are received.
There are two ways to register:
- Sign up for a class directly through our distance learning registration form.
- Or, register via the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration website.
Questions? Email us or call (907) 697-2573.
Last updated: February 18, 2026