Whales of Iceland
This stunning display resource from Discover the World Education introduces students to different whale species found in Iceland, including the blue whale, the sperm whale, the humpback whale, the fin whale and the minke whale. It also includes information on the harbour porpoise, and on orcas or killer whales, which are in fact a species of dolphin.
The resource tackles the issue of endangerment, examining the three key threats faced by all marine life: ocean pollution, human activity and climate change.
It links to the Iceland case study and outlines how the cold currents of this marine environment provide a crucial feeding ground.
The final page encourages students to consider how they can help to reduce the threats to marine life, focusing on home solutions and the choices we make as consumers and as users of planetary resources.
Whales of Iceland would make an effective comparison with the Turtles of Costa Rica case study. Students could consider the common threats faced by marine species across the globe in different ecosystems and oceanic conditions. They could also compare and contrast human activity around the world and explore how the decisions we make at home (such as the use of plastics and the disposal of waste) can have global consequences.
