Category Archives: Whales

Humpback Whale Adaptations: Fun Learning Activities for Schools

Humpback Whales for Schools

 

Humpback whales are one of Australia’s most iconic ocean visitors – and perfect for helping students explore how animals adapt to survive in their environments. With their incredible annual migration along Australia’s coasts, unique feeding behaviours and specialised physical features, humpbacks offer rich, hands-on learning opportunities that support the Australian Curriculum’s focus on biological sciences and understanding how living things adapt, grow and survive.

Below is a guide to humpback whale adaptations, plus simple, engaging activities that you can run in the classroom to bring ocean science to life.

Check out our educational programs that support this curriculum learning.

Link to whale resources here.

Humpback Whale Fast FactsHumpback Whale Anatomy

  • Species of baleen whale
  • Gets its name from the hump on its’ back
  • Distinctive shape – long pectoral fins and a knobbly head
  • Black on the upper (dorsal) side and black and white on the under (ventral) side
  • Ventral pleats run from the tip of the lower jaw to the belly
  • Dorsal fin on the back for stability
  • The shape and colour on the dorsal (upper) fin and tail is unique to each whale, like human fingerprints

 

Why Humpback Whales Are a Powerful Adaptation Example

Each year, humpback whales travel up to 10,000 km along Australia’s east coast – one of the longest migrations on the planet. Their journey from Antarctica to Queensland and back again highlights how animals rely on physical and behavioural adaptations to thrive in different environments.

Studying humpback whales helps learners develop:

🐋An understanding of how animals adapt to survive

🐋Observation and comparison skills

🐋Curiosity about marine ecosystems

🐋Awareness of ocean conservation and human impact

Key Humpback Whale Adaptations

  1. Blubber – A Built-In Heater

Humpbacks have a thick layer of blubber that keeps them warm in freezing Antarctic waters. It also provides energy when they stop feeding in warmer waters during migration.

Try it:
Blubber Glove Experiment – Students place a hand inside a bag surrounded by fat to feel how insulation works.

 

  1. Baleen Plates – The Ultimate Filter-Feeder Humpback Whale Baleen

Humpbacks are baleen whales, meaning they feed by filtering tiny shrimp-like creatures through fringed plates of long, fingernail-like material called baleen, attached to their upper jaws.

 

Try it:
Baleen Sieve Activity – Use a comb or colander with water and small floating items (e.g., lentils or bits of paper) to mimic how baleen traps food.

 

  1. Flippers and Flukes – Built for Swimming

Humpbacks have long pectoral fins – the largest of any whale – which help with turning, gliding and acrobatic manoeuvres.

The tail has two lobes known as flukes . Whales tails are horizontal and move up and down, unlike a fish’s tail (shown) which is vertical and moves from side to side.

Try it:
Flipper Paper Plane Challenge – Make paper “whales” with long and short fins and compare which glides further.

 

  1. Migration Behaviour – A Survival Strategy Humpback Whale Migration Map

Travelling thousands of kilometres ensures humpbacks can feed in Antarctica and breed in warm northern waters.

Try it:
Migration Map Tracking – Plot their journey on a large classroom map, noting resting spots, danger zones and feeding grounds. Bring it to life with a local focus.

Humpback Whale Migration Calendar

Where to see the Humpback Whales Migration on East Coast Australia

 

  1. Songs and Communication – Finding Each Other in the Deep

Male humpbacks sing complex songs that travel long distances underwater, helping them communicate during migration.

Try it:
Sound Wave Demo – Use tuning forks, water bowls or elastic bands to explore how sound travels differently through solids, liquids and air.

Wrap-Up: Bringing Science and the Ocean Together

Adaptation activities centred on humpback whales not only support learning in biological sciences but also build curiosity, empathy and environmental awareness. By exploring how these amazing animals survive and thrive, students gain a deeper appreciation of Australia’s ocean ecosystems – and the role humans play in protecting them.

If you’d like more hands-on ocean learning experiences, Ocean Life Education offers curriculum-aligned programs designed to inspire and engage.

More Humpback Whale Resources

Learn More About Humpback Whales with our online course

🧭 Local Learning Experiences

Take advantage of the humpback whale migration along the East Coast of Australia. From May to November, students may be able to see whales from shore or on a local eco-tour.

Consider planning:

🐳 A virtual whale-watching tour

🐳 An incursion with Ocean Life Education

🐳 A field trip/ excursion to a local coastal lookout

About Ocean Life Education Ocean Life Education

At Ocean Life Education, we’re all about helping Australians connect with the ocean and understand why it matters. Through engaging, hands-on learning experiences, we explore Australia’s diverse marine environments, the incredible creatures that live there, and the real-world challenges our oceans are facing.

Our interactive programs are curriculum-aligned and designed to make learning meaningful and memorable – whether it’s in the classroom, during an event, or through immersive field-based experiences. Every session is customised to suit your school or group, with an emphasis on local marine ecosystems, human impact, and conservation.

From up-close marine displays featuring real ocean animals to dynamic learning activities, our programs encourage curiosity, deepen understanding, and inspire students to take action. Above all, we aim to empower young people to value our oceans and feel confident about playing a role in protecting them for the future.

📚 Recommended Resources & Useful Links

Primary Incursions & Excursions

Primary Resources & Activities

Ocean Life Education’s Whale Resources

For more information about what we do, check out Ocean Life Education.

We hoped you enjoyed reading our blog: Humpback Whale Adaptations: Fun Learning Activities for Schools

Teaching Humpback Whale Classification: Resources for Primary Schools

Humpback Classification

 

Every year, mainly between May and October, humpback whales migrate along Australia’s East Coast, providing a real-world example for studying classification in the science classroom. These iconic gentle giants really capture students’ imagination and offer the perfect living opportunity to teach key biological concepts like grouping living things, external features, adaptation, and habitats. In this blog, we look at how to use humpback whales to support curriculum-aligned learning for primary students, with a focus on humpback whale classification, adaptations, and marine ecosystems and habitats.

Check out our educational programs that support this curriculum learning.

Link to classification resources here.

🐋 Why Teaching Classification Through Humpback Whales Engages Students

Whales are classified in the order of cetaceans (the same as dolphins and porpoises). Cetaceans are mammals that are adapted to life in the ocean.

Classification helps students understand how scientists can group living things based on their shared or common features. Using an iconic Australian cetacean species like humpback whales connects learning to real life and encourages environmental awareness.

 

A Real-Life Example on our Doorstep

The East Coast of Australia, especially between Hervey Bay, Sydney, and Byron Bay, is one of the best places in the world to observe humpback whales from the shore. Their visible behaviours and impressive size make them an exciting and accessible teaching focus. Students can even do an excursion to the shore to watch the spectacle for themselves as well as learning about humpback whale classification in the classroom.

Find out where to spot humpback whales off East Coast Australia

 

🧠 Key Humpback Whale Classification Concepts to Explore

Humpback taxonomic chain

Kingdom – Animalia

Phylum – Chordata (they have a backbone)

Class – Mammalia (they breathe air, are warm-blooded, and nurse young)

Order – Cetacea (includes whales, dolphins, and porpoises)

Species – Megaptera novaeangliae (humpback whale)

 

Discuss How Whales Differ from Fish:

Classified as mammals not fish…

🐳 Use lungs and blow-holes to breath, not gills

🐳 Warm blooded

🐳 Give birth to live young

Swimming technique…

Whales use their horizontal tail (called a fluke) to swim up and down, while fish use their vertical tail to swim side to side.

Resources

Click here for FREE classification resources and here for our FREE Humpbacks Worksheet for primary aged students.

 

🧰 Classroom Activity Ideas

Compare & Contrast

Look at similarities and differences between whales and other marine creatures like fish and sharks.

Whale Fact File

Students research and present humpback whale facts (habitat, size, diet, threats). The most incredible fact wins!

Adaptation Investigation

Explore how fins, blubber, and streamlined bodies help humpbacks survive in their environment.

Lifecycle Poster

Include the migration route, breeding season (in warmer waters like Queensland), and feeding season (in Antarctic waters).

Resources

Click here for FREE classification resources and here for our FREE Humpbacks Worksheet for primary aged students.

 

🧭 Local Learning Opportunities

Take advantage of the humpback whale migration along the East Coast of Australia. From May to November, students may be able to see whales from shore or on a local eco-tour.

Consider planning:

🐳 A virtual whale-watching tour

🐳 An incursion with Ocean Life Education

🐳 A field trip/ excursion to a local coastal lookout

 

🌱 Encourage Conservation Conversations

Use this unit as a chance to build environmental awareness. Discuss:

  • Plastic pollution and entanglement risks
  • The role of marine parks such as the Great Barrier Reef
  • Discuss why protecting migratory species like humpback whales matters to us in Australia

Check out our Human Impact Programs

🏁 Final Thoughts

By using the captivating journey of humpback whales along Australia’s East Coast, you can bring science to life in your classroom. It’s an engaging, real-world way to teach classification, adaptations, and environmental stewardship – all while meeting curriculum goals.

 

About Ocean Life Education Ocean Life Education

At Ocean Life Education (OLE), we’re passionate about teaching Australian children about the beauty and richness of our marine environments, as well as the challenges they face. We deliver fun, interactive programs that align with the curriculum, bringing learning to life in classrooms and out in the field. Each session is tailored to suit your needs, with a focus on local themes and issues.

Our programs and marine display events showcase real ocean creatures and offer hands-on experiences designed to spark curiosity and build knowledge about marine life and conservation. We aim to inspire students to care about the ocean and feel empowered to help protect it.

📚 Recommended Resources & Useful Links

Primary Incursions & Excursions

Primary Resources & Activities

Ocean Life Education’s Whale Resources

For more information about what we do, check out Ocean Life Education.

We hoped you enjoyed reading our blog: Teaching Humpback Whale Classification: Resources for Primary Schools

Here’s a link to our other  curriculum themed blogs

Teaching Life Cycles of Humpback Whales

Humpback Life Cycles

 

Humpback whales are amongst the most fascinating marine mammals. Their annual migration up and down Queensland’s coast provides a fantastic learning opportunity for regional students. This blog offers educators valuable information about humpback whale life cycles, habitats, and threats, along with engaging discussion points and activities that can be brought to life with a trip to the coast to view the spectacle that is the annual humpback migration.

Ocean Life Education can support curriculum learning by hosting a humpback whale themed incursion or coastal excursion or event during the Queensland annual whale watching season (June-Oct), focusing on crucial aspects of the humpback whale life cycle and tailor-making the program to your needs.

Humpback migration map Australia

The Journey from Antarctica to Queensland

Each year, around 20,000 humpback whales embark on one of the longest migrations of any species. They cover around 10,000 kilometres from the Antarctica to the warm water of Queensland further north. This journey occurs between May and November, and is vital for the survival of their species, ensuring a safe environment for calving and nurturing young during the crucial first stage of their life cycle.

Great Barrier ReefWhy Do Humpback Whales Choose Queensland’s Warm Waters?

Northern Queensland and The Great Barrier Reef provide the perfect conditions (see Habitats Program) for humpback whale mothers and their calves. Unlike the food-rich waters of Antarctica, the tropical waters offer safety from predators like orcas and warmth for the less insulated calves – that haven’t yet developed sufficient blubber for cold temperatures.

Humpback whales also mate during this time in warmer waters.

Humpback whale life cycle resource

 

As mammals, humpback whales give birth to live young after an 11-month pregnancy.

When born, a calf is about four to five metres long and weighs nearly a tonne! The mother immediately helps it to the surface for its first breath and begins nursing it with nutrient-rich fatty milk, which helps it grow rapidly.

Early Development

The relationship between a mother and her calf is crucial for its survival. Mothers protect their calves and teach them essential skills, such as swimming – mimicking the mother, breathing, and using vocalisations to communicate.

A calf drinks a staggering 600 litres of milk daily, enabling it to gain strength and blubber quickly in order to survive the journey back south to the icy cold waters of Antarctica.

After several months in Queensland’s waters, mother and calf begin their long journey back to Antarctica. This phase is challenging for the young whale, as it must adapt to colder temperatures and start learning how to find food on its own. By the time they reach Antarctica, the calf is much stronger and more independent.

Reproduction & Maturity

Humpback whales reach reproductive age after around 5-10 years. Once mature, they then mate during the long journey north.

Humpback whales live until they are about 50 years old, when they complete the humpback whale life cycle.

Teaching Opportunities in the Classroom

Humpback Whale Life CyclesEducators can integrate humpback whale life cycles, humpback whale migration, and marine conservation into science, geography, and environmental studies. Here are some ideas for classroom activities:

  1. Mapping the Migration – Have students trace the migration route and identify key locations such as The Antarctic, Hervey Bay, and the Great Barrier Reef. Check out our Humpback Whale Migration Calender.
  1. Whale-Watching Research – Book an Ocean Life Education hosted excursion to explore local whale-watching opportunities along the Queensland coast and discuss conservation efforts as outlined in our Human Impact Incursions.
  1. Creative Writing – Ask students to write a diary entry from the perspective of a migrating whale calf. Our Ocean Literacy incursions can set you up perfectly for this.
  1. Marine Animal Comparisons – Compare humpback whales with other marine animals, focusing on reproduction and survival strategies. Ocean Life Education’s interactive marine displays offer the perfect opportunity to compare with a diverse range of marine species, including fish and turtles.
  1. Environmental Awareness – Discuss threats such as climate change, shark nets, plastic pollution, and ship strikes, and brainstorm ways to help protect marine life. Ocean Life Education’s Human Impact Program, The Earth Under Threat, develops an understanding of the issues and how students can take responsibility for conservation.

Observing Whales in the Wild

From June to October, teachers and students can witness the magnificent sight of humpback whales along the Queensland coast. Observing their playful behaviours, such as breaching and tail-slapping, provides an exciting way to connect learning with real-world experiences. Check out our whale watching guide to find out more.

Conclusion

Humpback whales are a vital part of Australia’s marine ecosystem, and their migration offers a compelling educational topic. By teaching students about these magnificent creatures, educators can foster a love for marine conservation and inspire future generations to protect our oceans. 

By integrating humpback whale life cycles, humpback whale migration, and Great Barrier Reef whale conservation into your lessons, you can provide students with valuable knowledge about marine life and the importance of protecting these incredible creatures.

Having the annual humpback migration passing by our coastline each year is an invaluable opportunity for children to appreciate these magnificent creatures in the wild. What a wonderful place East Coast Australia is to live! 

 

About Ocean Life EducationJaide Cambourne Ocean Life Education

Our oceans are full of the most incredible biodiversity, from plankton to enormous whales, all playing a crucial role in maintaining the health of our planet. Ocean Life Education’s aim is to  raise awareness about the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and the threats they face today.

We bring the ocean to life with our mobile incursions, engaging excusions, and events across South East Queensland! Visiting early learning centers, schools, and other settings, we deliver interactive, curriculum-based programs featuring live marine animals and live marine displays.

Our diverse team of live marine animals includes a baby shark, freshwater turtle, sea stars, sea cucumbers and sea urchins.

Resources and Further Reading 

Whale Resources and online courses 

For more information about what we do, check out Ocean Life Education.

We hoped you enjoyed reading our blog: Teaching Humpback Whale Life Cycles

Here’s a link to our other news

OCEAN NEWS – Watching Queensland’s Humpback Migration

humpback whale migration map

This Month:

Celebrating Queensland’s Humpback Migration, FREE migration calendar, How whale poo fights climate change, Humpback fast facts, Teaching Human Impact, Out & About this month, Ocean Creature Feature. 

Woohoo!!!! The Humpbacks are Back

It’s that exciting time of year when humpback whales migrate up and down the Queensland coastline from the Antarctic to mate and give birth in warmer waters. The arrival of the whales is celebrated throughout East Coast Australia and we reckon it’s the greatest show on earth! Why not head down to the coast and join in the celebration?

Read our BLOG to find out when and where to see the Annual Humpback Migration on East Coast Australia and learn a whole lot more about it.

Click below for our downloadable FREE Humpback Migration Calendar (see foot of email)

the whale pump

 

How Whale Poo Fights Climate Change – The Whale Pump

As whales surface from deep dives to breathe and poo, they circulate huge amounts of nutrients from the sea floor. This process is called the “Whale Pump”.

The whale poo acts as an excellent fertiliser for ocean plants called phytoplankton. Phytoplankton is at the bottom of the food chain and is a very important primary producer (food source) for the marine ecosystem. It also removes millions of tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere and produces huge amounts of oxygen.

These tiny organisms (phytoplankton) absorb one-third of the carbon dioxide humans breathe out. They also produce half of the planet’s oxygen. So, as you can see, keeping this process working and our oceans healthy is crucial to our survival!

During long migrations, such as the one currently taking place off the East Coast of Australia, whales travel from nutrient-rich areas to nutrient-poor areas. This journey transports essential nutrients across the ocean in a process known as the “Great Whale Conveyor Belt”. So, whale migration has a big impact on the health of our oceans too.

Over 20,000 humpback whales are traveling up our coast right now! This is an amazing opportunity to teach students curriculum topics using an iconic, local theme. What better way to bring learning to life than to host an Ocean Life Education incursion at your school, then take a trip out to watch the amazing spectacle happening firsthand here in Queensland?

Programs & Free Resources

 

humpback fast facts

Humpbacks Course & Resources

https://mcusercontent.com/405f8237b6c23565cb7165b4c/images/aae32cbb-9566-1964-aa0c-5dde10041e69.png

Want to learn more about Australia’s iconic humpback whales?Check out our online course and teaching resources. – Both contain awesome videos, infographics, maps, fast facts, quizzes, and more!

Our Programs: Teaching Human Impact

Our Human Impact program  ‘The Earth Under Threat’ aims to educate and inspire children to want to learn more and protect our oceans.

Students:

  • Learn what humans do can harm the marine environment
  • Identify how changes to the marine environment; like weather patterns, land clearing, over-fishing, and pollution, affect it, its creatures, and us
  • Realise individuals can make a difference in caring for the marine environment and the need for all humans to accept personal responsibility for protecting it

To find out more, click HERE

Key dates coming up:

September 2022

4th  – National Wildlife Day

7th  – Threatened Species Day

18th – World Clean Up Day

17th – Int. Coastal Cleanup Day

17th – World Manta Day

18th – Sea Otter Awareness Week

24th – Fish Amnesty Day

 

Support a whale charity:

Whale & Dolphin Conservation
Marine Conservation
Sea Shepherd
Humpbacks & Highrises

 

DOWNLOAD FREE MIGRATION CALENDAR