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	<title>Whales Archives - Ocean Life Education</title>
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		<title>Why Do Whale Sharks Eat Plankton? Why the Biggest Sharks Eat Tiny Food</title>
		<link>https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/why-do-biggest-sharks-eat-plankton/</link>
		
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		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2026 04:13:17 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Programs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Resources & Activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sharks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Whales]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Australian Curriculum]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[baleen whales]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[classroom activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marine food chains]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[queensland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Queensland sharks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[science incursions qld]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shark awareness australia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shark Awareness Day activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shark Week classroom activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stem incursions brisbane]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sunshine Coast marine life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[whale shark facts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[why do sharks eat plankton]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Years 7–9 science]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Explore Shark Awareness Day classroom activities for years 7-9 - with a QLD focus</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/why-do-biggest-sharks-eat-plankton/">Why Do Whale Sharks Eat Plankton? Why the Biggest Sharks Eat Tiny Food</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-9818 size-medium" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Facebook-EDM-post-9-300x251.jpg" alt="Humpback Feeding" width="300" height="251" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Facebook-EDM-post-9-300x251.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Facebook-EDM-post-9-768x644.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Facebook-EDM-post-9-624x523.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Facebook-EDM-post-9.jpg 940w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>
<h2 data-section-id="mn11r5" data-start="713" data-end="780">Celebrate Shark Awareness Month with a surprising science lesson</h2>
<p data-start="782" data-end="1053">When students imagine the biggest animals in the ocean, they often picture fierce predators with enormous teeth. So they&#8217;re usually amazed to discover that <strong data-start="938" data-end="1053">the largest shark in the world &#8211; and even the biggest whales &#8211; feed on some of the smallest creatures in the ocean. So, why do sharks eat plankton</strong></p>
<p data-start="782" data-end="1053"><span style="color: #ff6a28;"><strong data-start="7540" data-end="7606">Download your free Shark Awareness Month classroom activity sheet at foot of article</strong></span></p>
<p data-start="1055" data-end="1199">It sounds impossible. Why would a 12-metre whale shark or a 30-metre humpback whale spend its day eating animals no bigger than your fingernail?</p>
<p data-start="1201" data-end="1390">This fascinating question is the perfect way to spark curiosity during <strong data-start="1272" data-end="1297">Shark Awareness Month</strong> (July) and <strong data-start="1302" data-end="1325">Shark Awareness Day</strong>, while exploring food chains, adaptations and marine ecosystems.</p>
<h1 class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-section-id="ky23gi" data-start="1397" data-end="1430">Meet Queensland&#8217;s Gentle Giants</h1>
<p data-start="1432" data-end="1553">Queensland waters are home to some incredible marine animals, including species that rely on tiny marine life to survive.</p>
<h3 data-section-id="uv7en8" data-start="1555" data-end="1573"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f988.png" alt="🦈" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Whale Shark</h3>
<p data-start="1575" data-end="1707"><img decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-9819 size-medium" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Facebook-EDM-post-8-300x251.jpg" alt="whale shark mouth" width="300" height="251" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Facebook-EDM-post-8-300x251.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Facebook-EDM-post-8-768x644.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Facebook-EDM-post-8-624x523.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Facebook-EDM-post-8.jpg 940w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />Despite being the <strong data-start="1593" data-end="1618">largest fish on Earth</strong>, whale sharks feed almost entirely on plankton, tiny fish eggs and small schooling fish.</p>
<p data-start="1709" data-end="1868">Instead of chasing large prey, they simply swim slowly through the water with their enormous mouths open, filtering thousands of litres of seawater every hour.</p>
<p data-start="1870" data-end="2018">Although whale sharks are occasional visitors to South East Queensland, they are more commonly seen around the Great Barrier Reef and Ningaloo Reef.</p>
<p data-start="1870" data-end="2018"><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/fast-facts-whalesharks/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Whale shark fast facts</a></p>
<p data-start="1870" data-end="2018"><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/is-a-whale-shark-a-shark/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Is a whale shark a shark? </a></p>
<h3 class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-section-id="ee27cc" data-start="2025" data-end="2046"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f40b.png" alt="🐋" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Humpback Whale</h3>
<p data-start="2048" data-end="2188"><img decoding="async" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-9825" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Facebook-EDM-post-10-300x251.jpg" alt="Humpback baleen" width="300" height="251" />Every winter, thousands of humpback whales migrate along the Queensland coast, passing places like Noosa, Mooloolaba and the Sunshine Coast.</p>
<p data-start="2190" data-end="2363">These enormous mammals also feed on surprisingly small animals &#8211; mainly krill and other tiny crustaceans during their time in Antarctic waters before migrating north to breed.</p>
<p data-start="2365" data-end="2481">Their baleen plates act like giant sieves, allowing them to trap huge amounts of food while letting seawater escape.</p>
<h2 data-section-id="1duckcp" data-start="2488" data-end="2515"></h2>
<h2 class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-section-id="1duckcp" data-start="2488" data-end="2515">So…Why Eat Tiny Animals?</h2>
<p data-start="2517" data-end="2538">The answer is simple:</p>
<p data-start="2540" data-end="2571"><strong data-start="2540" data-end="2571">There are billions of them!</strong></p>
<p data-start="2573" data-end="2670">Tiny marine organisms like plankton and krill are among the most abundant living things on Earth.</p>
<p data-start="2672" data-end="2819">Instead of hunting one large meal, whale sharks and baleen whales efficiently collect thousands &#8211; or even millions &#8211; of tiny animals in every mouthful.</p>
<p data-start="2821" data-end="2861">Scientists call this <strong data-start="2842" data-end="2860">filter feeding</strong>.</p>
<p data-start="2863" data-end="2927">It is one of the most efficient feeding strategies in the ocean.</p>
<h1 class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-section-id="122oxi2" data-start="2934" data-end="2961">What Exactly Is Plankton?</h1>
<p data-start="2963" data-end="3019">Many students think plankton is just one type of animal.</p>
<p data-start="3021" data-end="3103">In fact, <strong data-start="3030" data-end="3042">plankton</strong> describes any tiny organism that drifts with ocean currents.</p>
<p data-start="3105" data-end="3223">Some plankton are microscopic plants called <strong data-start="3149" data-end="3166">phytoplankton</strong>, while others are tiny animals known as <strong data-start="3207" data-end="3222">zooplankton</strong>.</p>
<p data-start="3225" data-end="3295">These organisms form the foundation of almost every marine food chain.</p>
<p data-start="3297" data-end="3356">Without plankton, there would be no fish, whales or sharks.</p>
<h1 class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-section-id="s8ofh5" data-start="3363" data-end="3390">Amazing Ocean Adaptations</h1>
<p data-start="3392" data-end="3451">Filter-feeding animals have evolved remarkable adaptations.</p>
<h3 data-section-id="1hm6rpd" data-start="3453" data-end="3469"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-9826 alignright" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Facebook-EDM-post-11-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Facebook-EDM-post-11-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Facebook-EDM-post-11-400x400.jpg 400w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Facebook-EDM-post-11-50x50.jpg 50w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />Whale Sharks</h3>
<ul data-start="3471" data-end="3606">
<li data-section-id="10dk0k1" data-start="3471" data-end="3504">Huge mouths over one metre wide</li>
<li data-section-id="dyt3k3" data-start="3505" data-end="3538">Tiny teeth that are rarely used</li>
<li data-section-id="s4xiab" data-start="3539" data-end="3578">Special filtering pads that trap food</li>
<li data-section-id="1xuc7wt" data-start="3579" data-end="3606">Gentle swimming behaviour</li>
</ul>
<h3 data-section-id="1mp9vcz" data-start="3608" data-end="3625"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-9825 alignright" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Facebook-EDM-post-10-150x150.jpg" alt="Humpback baleen" width="150" height="150" />Baleen Whales</h3>
<ul data-start="3627" data-end="3745">
<li data-section-id="1gs6aap" data-start="3627" data-end="3637">No teeth</li>
<li data-section-id="nghy9p" data-start="3638" data-end="3683">Hundreds of baleen plates made from keratin</li>
<li data-section-id="17kv261" data-start="3684" data-end="3702">Powerful tongues</li>
<li data-section-id="1ftnka3" data-start="3703" data-end="3745">Huge expandable throats for gulp feeding</li>
</ul>
<p data-start="3747" data-end="3839">These adaptations help them collect enormous amounts of food while using very little energy.</p>
<h1 data-section-id="14kilny" data-start="3846" data-end="3869"></h1>
<h1 class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-section-id="14kilny" data-start="3846" data-end="3869">Queensland Connection</h1>
<p data-start="3871" data-end="3884">Did you know?</p>
<p data-start="3886" data-end="4017">Each winter, South East Queensland becomes one of Australia&#8217;s best places to <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/humpback-whale-migration-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">observe humpback whales</a> during their annual migration.</p>
<p data-start="4019" data-end="4054">Students may even spot whales from:</p>
<ul data-start="4056" data-end="4187">
<li data-section-id="1kec2zm" data-start="4056" data-end="4077">Noosa National Park</li>
<li data-section-id="1cktfb3" data-start="4078" data-end="4119">Point Lookout (North Stradbroke Island)</li>
<li data-section-id="dshikf" data-start="4120" data-end="4134">Cape Moreton</li>
<li data-section-id="1e8qn37" data-start="4135" data-end="4157">Mooloolaba coastline</li>
<li data-section-id="1qho1fw" data-start="4158" data-end="4187">Coolum and Peregian beaches</li>
</ul>
<p data-start="4189" data-end="4339">This makes Shark Awareness Month the perfect time to compare two of the ocean&#8217;s most impressive filter feeders &#8211; the whale shark and the humpback whale.</p>
<h1 class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-section-id="1fx40gv" data-start="2164" data-end="2214">Where can Australian Students See Whale Sharks?</h1>
<p data-start="2216" data-end="2244">Include information such as:</p>
<ul data-start="2246" data-end="2527">
<li data-section-id="1pyfyes" data-start="2246" data-end="2329">Ningaloo Reef (WA) hosts the world&#8217;s best-known seasonal whale shark aggregation.</li>
<li data-section-id="1fali6w" data-start="2330" data-end="2388">Whale sharks are occasionally seen in Queensland waters.</li>
</ul>
<h1 class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-section-id="15oomws" data-start="4346" data-end="4380">Classroom Activities (Years 7–9) &#8211; See Activity Handout Below</h1>
<h2 data-section-id="e62x71" data-start="4382" data-end="4415">1. Bigger Isn&#8217;t Always Scarier</h2>
<p data-start="4417" data-end="4443">Show students pictures of:</p>
<ul data-start="4445" data-end="4495">
<li data-section-id="1vrf8i1" data-start="4445" data-end="4464">Great White Shark</li>
<li data-section-id="nr6rbw" data-start="4465" data-end="4478">Whale Shark</li>
<li data-section-id="oxlxkk" data-start="4479" data-end="4495">Humpback Whale</li>
</ul>
<p data-start="4497" data-end="4501">Ask:</p>
<p data-start="4503" data-end="4552"><strong data-start="4503" data-end="4552">Which one do you think eats the biggest prey?</strong></p>
<p data-start="4554" data-end="4597">Students are often surprised by the answer.</p>
<h2 class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-section-id="118fwjh" data-start="4604" data-end="4635"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-5925 size-medium" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Figure-16-9-e1636055645444-735x489-1-300x200.jpg" alt="simple marine food chain" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Figure-16-9-e1636055645444-735x489-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Figure-16-9-e1636055645444-735x489-1-624x415.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Figure-16-9-e1636055645444-735x489-1.jpg 735w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />2. Build a Marine Food Chain</h2>
<p data-start="4637" data-end="4692">Challenge students to create a food web beginning with:</p>
<p data-start="4694" data-end="4768">Sunlight → Phytoplankton → Zooplankton → Small Fish → Larger Fish → Sharks</p>
<p data-start="4770" data-end="4791">Then compare it with:</p>
<p data-start="4793" data-end="4845">Sunlight → Phytoplankton → Zooplankton → Whale Shark</p>
<p data-start="4847" data-end="4849">or</p>
<p data-start="4851" data-end="4900">Sunlight → Phytoplankton → Krill → Humpback Whale</p>
<p data-start="4902" data-end="4980">Discuss how different species occupy different roles within marine ecosystems.</p>
<h2 class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-section-id="19zp8e6" data-start="4987" data-end="5015"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-9820" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Facebook-EDM-post-7-150x150.jpg" alt="Filter feeder" width="150" height="150" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Facebook-EDM-post-7-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Facebook-EDM-post-7-400x400.jpg 400w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Facebook-EDM-post-7-50x50.jpg 50w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />3. Design a Filter Feeder</h2>
<p data-start="5017" data-end="5070">Ask students to invent their own giant marine animal.</p>
<p data-start="5072" data-end="5091">They should decide:</p>
<ul data-start="5093" data-end="5218">
<li data-section-id="obgihn" data-start="5093" data-end="5120">How does it collect food?</li>
<li data-section-id="9mqbvd" data-start="5121" data-end="5153">What adaptations does it need?</li>
<li data-section-id="3no0uk" data-start="5154" data-end="5175">Where does it live?</li>
<li data-section-id="1cbliel" data-start="5176" data-end="5195">What does it eat?</li>
<li data-section-id="13otu2n" data-start="5196" data-end="5218">How does it survive?</li>
</ul>
<p data-start="5220" data-end="5313">Students can label their design and explain how their adaptations help them feed efficiently.</p>
<h2 class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-section-id="9jsqqs" data-start="5320" data-end="5370">4. STEM Challenge: Can You Filter Like a Whale?</h2>
<p data-start="5372" data-end="5501">Using everyday classroom materials, students design and test a simple filter that separates different-sized particles from water.</p>
<p data-start="5503" data-end="5533">Encourage them to investigate:</p>
<ul data-start="5535" data-end="5671">
<li data-section-id="1ex4g42" data-start="5535" data-end="5565">Which materials worked best?</li>
<li data-section-id="1bqnlkq" data-start="5566" data-end="5602">What particle sizes were captured?</li>
<li data-section-id="cyhj4p" data-start="5603" data-end="5671">How is this similar to baleen or a whale shark&#8217;s filtering system?</li>
</ul>
<p data-start="5673" data-end="5767">This hands-on investigation introduces engineering design, observation and scientific inquiry.</p>
<p data-start="5673" data-end="5767"><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/whale-resources/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Check out our other whale resources here.</a></p>
<h1 class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-section-id="j7oaa3" data-start="5774" data-end="5793">Why Sharks Matter</h1>
<p data-start="5795" data-end="5881">Shark Awareness Month is about much more than changing people&#8217;s perceptions of sharks.</p>
<p data-start="5883" data-end="5984">It is an opportunity to help students understand that sharks perform many different ecological roles.</p>
<p data-start="5986" data-end="6153">While some species are top predators, others &#8211; like the whale shark &#8211; are gentle filter feeders that depend on healthy plankton populations and balanced marine ecosystems.</p>
<p data-start="6155" data-end="6204">Protecting sharks helps protect the entire ocean. <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/shark-resources/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Check out our other shark resources here</a>.</p>
<h2 class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-section-id="e9h7l" data-start="6810" data-end="6840">Australian Curriculum Links</h2>
<p data-start="6842" data-end="6899">This topic supports learning across Years 7–9, including:</p>
<ul data-start="6901" data-end="7249">
<li data-section-id="qh6s3w" data-start="6901" data-end="6968"><strong data-start="6903" data-end="6915">Science:</strong> Ecosystems, adaptations, food webs and biodiversity.</li>
<li data-section-id="1h5y71e" data-start="6969" data-end="7054"><strong data-start="6971" data-end="6991">Science Inquiry:</strong> Questioning, predicting, investigating and analysing evidence.</li>
<li data-section-id="1glrkzd" data-start="7055" data-end="7130"><strong data-start="7057" data-end="7085">Design and Technologies:</strong> Designing and testing filter-feeding models.</li>
<li data-section-id="1dmqmwu" data-start="7131" data-end="7249"><strong data-start="7133" data-end="7178">Sustainability Cross-Curriculum Priority:</strong> Understanding healthy marine ecosystems and biodiversity conservation.</li>
</ul>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-5861 alignright" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/OceanlifeEducation_transparent-Logo_2020-300x123.png" alt="Ocean Life Education" width="150" height="61" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/OceanlifeEducation_transparent-Logo_2020-300x123.png 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/OceanlifeEducation_transparent-Logo_2020-1024x420.png 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/OceanlifeEducation_transparent-Logo_2020-768x315.png 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/OceanlifeEducation_transparent-Logo_2020-624x256.png 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/OceanlifeEducation_transparent-Logo_2020-1536x630.png 1536w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/OceanlifeEducation_transparent-Logo_2020-2048x839.png 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /></p>
<h4></h4>
<h1 class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-section-id="17lrn9f" data-start="6211" data-end="6241">Bring Marine Science to Life</h1>
<p data-start="6243" data-end="6301">Want your students to experience marine science firsthand?</p>
<p data-start="6303" data-end="6544">Ocean Life Education&#8217;s interactive incursions bring live marine animals into Queensland schools, helping students explore shark adaptations, marine food webs, ocean conservation and the incredible diversity of Australia&#8217;s coastal ecosystems.</p>
<p data-start="6546" data-end="6667">Our curriculum-aligned programs inspire curiosity while supporting learning across Science, Geography and Sustainability.</p>
<p data-start="6669" data-end="6803"><strong data-start="6669" data-end="6803">Find out more about our live marine education incursions and discover how we can bring the wonders of the ocean to your classroom.</strong></p>
<h4><span style="color: #000000;"><a style="color: #000000;" href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/contact-us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Book a Primary Ocean Science Incursion for Your School</a></span></h4>
<p><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Green-Fiction-Vs-Non-Fiction-School-Academic-Infographic-Poster.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #ff6a28;"><strong data-start="7540" data-end="7606">Download your free Shark Awareness Month classroom activity sheet here</strong></span></a></p>
<h4>Thank you for reading: Why Do the Biggest Sharks Eat Tiny Animals?</h4>
<p data-start="2996" data-end="3166"><strong>Author: Hayley Gee, Marine Educator, Ocean Life Education</strong></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/why-do-biggest-sharks-eat-plankton/">Why Do Whale Sharks Eat Plankton? Why the Biggest Sharks Eat Tiny Food</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
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		<title>Humpback Whale Classroom Activities for Queensland Primary Schools (Free Toolkit + Lesson Ideas)</title>
		<link>https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/humpback-whale-classroom-activities-primary/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[oceanlifeeducation]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 25 May 2026 04:22:51 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Programs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Schools]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Whales]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[animal adaptations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Australia wildlife]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[brisbane incursions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[classroom activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[habitats and ecosystems]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hayley gee]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[life cycles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[primary school resources]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[primary science]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[queensland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[science incursions qld]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stem incursions brisbane]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sustainability]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[whale migration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[whales for schools]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/?p=9639</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Teach humpback whale migration in Queensland classrooms with free STEM resources, worksheets, infographics and curriculum-aligned lessons</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/humpback-whale-classroom-activities-primary/">Humpback Whale Classroom Activities for Queensland Primary Schools (Free Toolkit + Lesson Ideas)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-9642 size-large" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/pexels-whale-1850235_1920-1024x683.jpg" alt="Humpback whales for schools" width="625" height="417" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/pexels-whale-1850235_1920-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/pexels-whale-1850235_1920-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/pexels-whale-1850235_1920-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/pexels-whale-1850235_1920-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/pexels-whale-1850235_1920-624x416.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/pexels-whale-1850235_1920.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<div>Looking for humpback whale classroom activities for primary students? This guide will provide everything you need&#8230;</div>
<div></div>
<p>Every year from May to November, humpback whales migrate up and down the Queensland coastline as part of one of the most amazing wildlife journeys on Earth. It’s thought that <strong>more than 20,000 whales travel between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef</strong>, meaning this seasonal event provides <strong>a powerful, real-world STEM learning opportunity</strong> for primary classrooms in Australia.</p>
<p><strong>Ocean Life Education provides curriculum-aligned marine science incursions, excursions and events, online programs, and classroom toolkits</strong> designed to assist teachers turn humpback whale migration into engaging inquiry-based learning.</p>
<h4><strong>Scroll to the bottom of this blog to <span style="color: #01cdff;">DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE HUMPBACK WHALE TEACHING TOOLKIT</span> <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f447.png" alt="👇" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f447.png" alt="👇" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f447.png" alt="👇" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></strong></h4>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><strong><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f30a.png" alt="🌊" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> </strong>Humpback Whale Classroom Activities for Primary Students</h4>
<p>Humpback whales have to be one of the most effective real-world teaching examples in Australian primary education because <strong>the migration happens right here on our coastline</strong> and because <strong>the topic connects directly to key curriculum areas including science, geography, and sustainability.</strong></p>
<p>Humpbacks support learning in:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Biological sciences including life cycles and adaptations </strong></li>
<li><strong>Geography including migration routes and marine environments </strong></li>
<li><strong>Environmental science and sustainability </strong></li>
<li><strong>Data collection and STEM inquiry learning </strong></li>
</ul>
<p>Humpback whales <strong>migrate up to 10,000 kilometres each year,</strong> moving between cool Antarctic feeding grounds and Queensland’s warm breeding waters, making them <strong>a remarkable and visible example of animal journeys and seasonal change</strong>.</p>
<h4><strong><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f40b.png" alt="🐋" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></strong><strong> Key Humpback Whale Facts for Students</strong></h4>
<ul>
<li>Humpback whales migrate between Antarctica and Queensland annually</li>
<li>Migration distance can exceed 10,000 kilometres</li>
<li>They travel along Australia’s east coast between May and November</li>
<li>Calves are born in warm tropical waters for protection</li>
<li>They use complex vocalisations known as whale song</li>
<li>Populations are recovering after historic whaling pressures</li>
</ul>
<h4><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Humpback-Whale-Teachers-Toolkit-PDF.docx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Humpback Whale Teachers Toolkit</a></h4>
<p>To support Quensland teachers, Ocean Life Education has created a <strong><span style="color: #01cdff;">FREE </span></strong><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Humpback-Whale-Teachers-Toolkit-PDF.docx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Humpback Whale Teachers Toolkit</a></p>
<p>designed for primary classrooms.</p>
<h4><strong><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f40b.png" alt="🐋" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></strong><strong> </strong>STEM Activities: Whale Migration &amp; Adaptations</h4>
<p><strong><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-9644" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Migration-map-300x177.jpg" alt="Humpback Whale Migration Map" width="300" height="177" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Migration-map-300x177.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Migration-map-1024x603.jpg 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Migration-map-768x453.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Migration-map-624x368.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Migration-map.jpg 1478w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></strong></p>
<p><strong><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f5fa.png" alt="🗺" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></strong><strong> Migration Mapping Task</strong></p>
<p>Students map the humpback migration route along Australia’s east coast and identify key breeding and feeding regions.</p>
<p>Skills: geography and environmental systems</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4ca.png" alt="📊" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></strong><strong> Migration Data Recording Sheet</strong></p>
<p>Students record:</p>
<ul>
<li>Whale sightings</li>
<li>Dates</li>
<li>Behaviour observations</li>
<li>Location tracking</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-9647 size-medium" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Humpback-Migration-Calendar-212x300.jpg" alt="Humpback Whale Migration Calendar for schools" width="212" height="300" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Humpback-Migration-Calendar-212x300.jpg 212w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Humpback-Migration-Calendar-724x1024.jpg 724w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Humpback-Migration-Calendar-768x1086.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Humpback-Migration-Calendar-1086x1536.jpg 1086w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Humpback-Migration-Calendar-624x883.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Humpback-Migration-Calendar.jpg 1414w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 212px) 100vw, 212px" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/270d.png" alt="✍" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></strong><strong> Whale Migration Diary Writing</strong></p>
<p>Students write from the perspective of a migrating humpback whale.</p>
<p>Prompts:</p>
<p>What do you pass/ see along the Queensland coastline?</p>
<p>What challenges do you face during migration?</p>
<p>Why is Queensland important for your journey?</p>
<p>Persuasive writing (marine protection themes)</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-9645" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Untitled-design-300x200.jpg" alt="Humpback whale adaptation for schools" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Untitled-design-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Untitled-design-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Untitled-design-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Untitled-design-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Untitled-design-624x416.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Untitled-design.jpg 1999w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f9ec.png" alt="🧬" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></strong><strong> Adaptation Investigation Stations</strong></p>
<p>Students explore:</p>
<ul>
<li>Blubber for insulation</li>
<li>Baleen feeding systems</li>
<li>Tail fluke propulsion</li>
<li>Breathing via blowholes</li>
<li>Comparisons with other marine animals</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-9649" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Activity-List-3-Adaptations_watermark_page-0001-150x150.jpg" alt="Marine Adaptations for Schools" width="150" height="150" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Activity-List-3-Adaptations_watermark_page-0001-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Activity-List-3-Adaptations_watermark_page-0001-400x400.jpg 400w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Activity-List-3-Adaptations_watermark_page-0001-50x50.jpg 50w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f40b.png" alt="🐋" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Marine Animal Adaptations Worksheet</strong></p>
<p>Complete the lists to compare a diverse range of ocean animals. <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Activity-List-3-Adaptations.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click here to download resource.</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f9e0.png" alt="🧠" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></strong><strong> Humpback Whale Fact Quiz</strong></p>
<p>Short classroom quiz covering:</p>
<ul>
<li>Migration distance</li>
<li>Feeding behaviour</li>
<li>Breeding grounds</li>
<li>Whale communication</li>
</ul>
<h4><strong><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f30f.png" alt="🌏" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></strong><strong> Curriculum Alignment (Australia)</strong></h4>
<p><strong>This resource supports:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Year 3–6 Science: Biological sciences (adaptations, ecosystems, life cycles)</li>
<li>Year 4–6 Geography: environmental change and natural systems</li>
<li>General capabilities: critical thinking, sustainability, data literacy</li>
</ul>
<p><strong><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f30a.png" alt="🌊" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></strong><strong> Real-World STEM Learning in 2026</strong></p>
<p>Marine education is shifting toward hands-on, inquiry-based learning supported by real-world environmental data. Humpback whales provide a perfect example of this approach because students can connect classroom learning to seasonal migration events occurring off the Queensland coast each year.</p>
<h4><strong><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f433.png" alt="🐳" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></strong><strong> Extend Learning with Ocean Life Education</strong></h4>
<p>Ocean Life Education provides:</p>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Hands on curriculum-aligned <a style="color: #000000;" href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/programs/primary-programs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">marine science programs</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Classroom-ready STEM resources</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Online whale and shark courses</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000000;"><a style="color: #000000;" href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/programs/primary-programs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">School incursions, excursions and interactive displays</a></span></li>
</ul>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-5861 size-medium" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/OceanlifeEducation_transparent-Logo_2020-300x123.png" alt="Ocean Life Education" width="300" height="123" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/OceanlifeEducation_transparent-Logo_2020-300x123.png 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/OceanlifeEducation_transparent-Logo_2020-1024x420.png 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/OceanlifeEducation_transparent-Logo_2020-768x315.png 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/OceanlifeEducation_transparent-Logo_2020-624x256.png 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/OceanlifeEducation_transparent-Logo_2020-1536x630.png 1536w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/OceanlifeEducation_transparent-Logo_2020-2048x839.png 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>
<h4><span style="color: #000000;"><a style="color: #000000;" href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/contact-us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Book a Primary Ocean Science Incursion for Your School</a></span></h4>
<p>Ocean Life Education provides engaging marine education incursions for Queensland schools, giving students unforgettable hands-on experiences with marine life.</p>
<h4><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Humpback-Whale-Teachers-Toolkit-PDF.docx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Humpback Whale Teachers Toolkit</a></h4>
<h4><em>Thank you for reading: </em>Humpback Facts for Queensland Schools (2026) | Free STEM Toolkit</h4>
<p data-start="2996" data-end="3166"><strong>Author: Hayley Gee, Marine Educator, Ocean Life Education</strong></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/humpback-whale-classroom-activities-primary/">Humpback Whale Classroom Activities for Queensland Primary Schools (Free Toolkit + Lesson Ideas)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
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		<title>Humpback Whale Adaptations: Fun Learning Activities for Schools</title>
		<link>https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/humpback-whale-adaptations-fun-learning-activities-for-schools/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[oceanlifeeducation]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 01:06:46 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Schools & Curriculum]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Whales]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[adaptation activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[adaptation resources]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpback whale adaptation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humpback Whales]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpbacks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpbacks for schools]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marine adaptation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marine science primary school Australia]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/?p=6390</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Humpback whales are a perfect case study for helping students explore how animals adapt to survive in their environments.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/humpback-whale-adaptations-fun-learning-activities-for-schools/">Humpback Whale Adaptations: Fun Learning Activities for Schools</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-6905 size-large" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Eumundi-blog-page-banner-feature-14-1024x466.jpg" alt="Humpback whale resources " width="625" height="284" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Humpback whales are one of Australia’s most iconic ocean visitors &#8211; and <strong>perfect for helping students explore how animals adapt to survive in their environments</strong>. With their incredible annual migration along Australia&#8217;s coasts, unique feeding behaviours and specialised physical features, humpbacks offer rich, hands-on learning opportunities that <strong>support the Australian Curriculum’s focus on biological sciences</strong> <strong>and understanding how living things adapt, grow and survive.</strong></p>
<p>Below is a guide to humpback whale adaptations, plus simple, <strong>engaging activities</strong> that you can run in the classroom to bring ocean science to life.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/programs/primary-programs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Check out our educational programs that support this curriculum learning.</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/whale-resources/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Link to whale resources here.</a></p>
<h4>Humpback Whale Fast Facts<strong><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-6391 size-medium" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/anatomy-300x212.jpg" alt="Humpback Whale Anatomy" width="300" height="212" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/anatomy-300x212.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/anatomy-624x441.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/anatomy.jpg 743w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></strong></h4>
<ul>
<li>Species of baleen whale</li>
<li>Gets its name from the hump on its’ back</li>
<li>Distinctive shape &#8211; long pectoral fins and a knobbly head</li>
<li>Black on the upper (dorsal) side and black and white on the under (ventral) side</li>
<li>Ventral pleats run from the tip of the lower jaw to the belly</li>
<li>Dorsal fin on the back for stability</li>
<li>The shape and colour on the dorsal (upper) fin and tail is unique to each whale, like human fingerprints</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4>Why Humpback Whales Are a Powerful Adaptation Example</h4>
<p>Each year, humpback whales travel up to 10,000 km along Australia’s east coast &#8211; one of the longest migrations on the planet. <strong>Their journey from Antarctica to Queensland and back again highlights how animals rely on physical and behavioural adaptations to thrive in different environments</strong>.</p>
<p>Studying humpback whales <strong>helps learners develop</strong>:</p>
<p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f40b.png" alt="🐋" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" />An understanding of how animals adapt to survive</p>
<p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f40b.png" alt="🐋" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" />Observation and comparison skills</p>
<p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f40b.png" alt="🐋" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" />Curiosity about marine ecosystems</p>
<p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f40b.png" alt="🐋" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" />Awareness of ocean conservation and human impact</p>
<h4>Key Humpback Whale Adaptations</h4>
<ol>
<li>
<h5><strong> Blubber – A Built-In Heater</strong></h5>
</li>
</ol>
<p>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.</p>
<p><strong>Try it:</strong><br />
<strong>Blubber Glove Experiment</strong> &#8211; Students place a hand inside a bag surrounded by fat to feel how insulation works.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ol start="2">
<li>
<h5><strong> Baleen Plates – The Ultimate Filter-Feeder <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-6392" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Balleen.jpg" alt="Humpback Whale Baleen" width="185" height="186" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Balleen.jpg 185w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Balleen-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Balleen-50x50.jpg 50w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 185px) 100vw, 185px" /></strong></h5>
</li>
</ol>
<p>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.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Try it:</strong><br />
<strong>Baleen Sieve Activity</strong> &#8211; Use a comb or colander with water and small floating items (e.g., lentils or bits of paper) to mimic how baleen traps food.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ol start="3">
<li>
<h5><strong> Flippers and Flukes – Built for Swimming <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-6393" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/fish-tail.jpg" alt="" width="55" height="161" /></strong></h5>
</li>
</ol>
<p>Humpbacks have long pectoral fins &#8211; the largest of any whale &#8211; which help with turning, gliding and acrobatic manoeuvres.</p>
<p>The tail has two lobes known as flukes . <strong>Whales tails are horizontal and move up and down, unlike a fish’s tail (shown) which is vertical and moves from side to side.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Try it:</strong><br />
<strong>Flipper Paper Plane Challenge</strong> &#8211; Make paper “whales” with long and short fins and compare which glides further.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ol start="4">
<li>
<h5><strong> Migration Behaviour – A Survival Strategy <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright size-full wp-image-6394" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/migration-map.jpg" alt="Humpback Whale Migration Map" width="399" height="235" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/migration-map.jpg 399w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/migration-map-300x177.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 399px) 100vw, 399px" /></strong></h5>
</li>
</ol>
<p>Travelling thousands of kilometres ensures humpbacks can feed in Antarctica and breed in warm northern waters.</p>
<p><strong>Try it:</strong><br />
<strong>Migration Map Tracking</strong> &#8211; Plot their journey on a large classroom map, noting resting spots, danger zones and feeding grounds. Bring it to life with a local focus.</p>
<p>Humpback Whale <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Humpback-Migration-Calendar-1.jpg">Migration Calendar</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/where-to-see-humpback-whale-migration-east-coast-australia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Where to see the Humpback Whales Migration on East Coast Australia</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ol start="5">
<li>
<h5><strong> Songs and Communication – Finding Each Other in the Deep</strong></h5>
</li>
</ol>
<p>Male humpbacks sing complex songs that travel long distances underwater, helping them communicate during migration.</p>
<p><strong>Try it:</strong><br />
<strong>Sound Wave Demo</strong> &#8211; Use tuning forks, water bowls or elastic bands to explore how sound travels differently through solids, liquids and air.</p>
<h4><strong>Wrap-Up: Bringing Science and the Ocean Together</strong></h4>
<p><strong>Adaptation activities</strong> centred on humpback whales not only <strong>support learning in biological sciences</strong> 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 &#8211; and the role humans play in protecting them.</p>
<p><strong>If you’d like more hands-on ocean learning experiences, Ocean Life Education offers curriculum-aligned <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/programs/">programs</a> designed to inspire and engage.</strong></p>
<p>More <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/whale-resources/">Humpback Whale Resources</a></p>
<p>Learn More About Humpback Whales with our <a href="https://oceanlifeeducation.thinkific.com/collections">online course</a></p>
<h4><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f9ed.png" alt="🧭" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Local Learning Experiences</h4>
<p>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.</p>
<p><strong>Consider planning:</strong></p>
<p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f433.png" alt="🐳" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> A virtual whale-watching tour</p>
<p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f433.png" alt="🐳" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> An incursion with Ocean Life Education</p>
<p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f433.png" alt="🐳" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> A field trip/ excursion to a local coastal lookout</p>
<h4><strong>About Ocean Life Education <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-5861" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/OceanlifeEducation_transparent-Logo_2020-150x150.png" alt="Ocean Life Education" width="150" height="61" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/OceanlifeEducation_transparent-Logo_2020-300x123.png 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/OceanlifeEducation_transparent-Logo_2020-1024x420.png 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/OceanlifeEducation_transparent-Logo_2020-768x315.png 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/OceanlifeEducation_transparent-Logo_2020-624x256.png 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/OceanlifeEducation_transparent-Logo_2020-1536x630.png 1536w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/OceanlifeEducation_transparent-Logo_2020-2048x839.png 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /></strong></h4>
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<p data-start="88" data-end="410">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.</p>
<p data-start="412" data-end="727">Our interactive programs are curriculum-aligned and designed to make learning meaningful and memorable &#8211; 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.</p>
<p data-start="729" data-end="1049" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">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.</p>
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<h4><span style="color: #000000;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4da.png" alt="📚" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Recommended Resources &amp; Useful Links</span></h4>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><a style="color: #000000;" href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/programs/primary-programs/">Primary Incursions &amp; Excursions</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><a style="color: #000000;" href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/primary-resources/">Primary Resources &amp; Activities</a></span></p>
<p>Ocean Life Education’s <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/whale-resources/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Whale Resources</a></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>For more information about what we do, check out </strong><a style="color: #000000;" href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/"><strong>Ocean Life Education</strong></a><strong>.</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>We hoped you enjoyed reading our blog: </strong></span><strong>Humpback Whale Adaptations: Fun Learning Activities for Schools</strong></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/humpback-whale-adaptations-fun-learning-activities-for-schools/">Humpback Whale Adaptations: Fun Learning Activities for Schools</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
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		<title>Teaching Humpback Whale Classification: Resources for Primary Schools</title>
		<link>https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/teaching-humpback-whale-classification/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[oceanlifeeducation]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 May 2025 07:08:21 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Schools & Curriculum]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Whales]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[classification for primary]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[eco systems]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Habitats]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpback whale classification]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marine science primary school Australia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[primary classification resources]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/?p=5899</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Every year humpback whales migrate along Australia’s East Coast, providing a real-world example for studying classification in the classroom. </p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/teaching-humpback-whale-classification/">Teaching Humpback Whale Classification: Resources for Primary Schools</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-6905 size-large" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Eumundi-blog-page-banner-feature-14-1024x466.jpg" alt="Humpback whale classification" width="625" height="284" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Every year, mainly between May and October, humpback whales migrate along Australia’s East Coast, providing <strong>a real-world example for studying classification</strong> in the science classroom. These iconic gentle giants really capture students’ imagination and offer <strong>the perfect living opportunity to teach key biological concepts</strong> like <strong>grouping living things, external features, adaptation, and habitats. </strong>In this blog, we look at how to <strong>use humpback whales to support curriculum-aligned learning</strong> for primary students, with a focus on humpback whale <strong>classification, adaptations, and marine ecosystems and habitats</strong>.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/programs/primary-programs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Check out our educational programs that support this curriculum learning.</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/primary-resources/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Link to classification resources here.</a></p>
<h4></h4>
<h4><strong><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f40b.png" alt="🐋" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Why Teaching Classification Through Humpback Whales Engages Students</strong></h4>
<p>Whales are classified in the order of <strong>cetaceans</strong> (the same as dolphins and porpoises). Cetaceans are mammals that are adapted to life in the ocean.</p>
<p><strong>Classification</strong> 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.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><strong>A Real-Life Example on our Doorstep</strong></h4>
<p>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.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/where-to-see-humpback-whale-migration-east-coast-australia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Find out where to spot humpback whales off East Coast Australia</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f9e0.png" alt="🧠" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Key Humpback Whale Classification Concepts to Explore</h4>
<h4><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-5901" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Classification-300x212.png" alt="Humpback taxonomic chain" width="400" height="283" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Classification-300x212.png 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Classification-624x441.png 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Classification.png 681w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" /></h4>
<p><strong>Kingdom</strong> – Animalia</p>
<p><strong>Phylum</strong> – Chordata (they have a backbone)</p>
<p><strong>Class</strong> – Mammalia (they breathe air, are warm-blooded, and nurse young)</p>
<p><strong>Order</strong> – Cetacea (includes whales, dolphins, and porpoises)</p>
<p><strong>Species</strong> – Megaptera novaeangliae (humpback whale)</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><strong>Discuss How Whales Differ from Fish:</strong></h4>
<p>Classified as <strong>mammals</strong> not fish&#8230;</p>
<p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f433.png" alt="🐳" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Use lungs and blow-holes to breath, not gills</p>
<p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f433.png" alt="🐳" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Warm blooded</p>
<p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f433.png" alt="🐳" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Give birth to live young</p>
<p><strong>Swimming</strong> technique&#8230;</p>
<p><strong>Whales</strong> use their horizontal tail (called a fluke) to swim up and down, while <strong>fish</strong> use their vertical tail to swim side to side.</p>
<h4>Resources</h4>
<p>Click here for FREE <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/primary-resources/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">classification resources</a> and here for our <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Worksheet-Humpback_Whale_Classification.docx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FREE Humpbacks Worksheet</a> for primary aged students.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><strong><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f9f0.png" alt="🧰" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Classroom Activity Ideas</strong></h4>
<p><strong>Compare &amp; Contrast</strong></p>
<p>Look at <strong>similarities and differences between whales and other marine creatures</strong> like fish and sharks.</p>
<p><strong>Whale Fact File</strong></p>
<p>Students <strong>research and present humpback whale facts</strong> (habitat, size, diet, threats). The most incredible fact wins!</p>
<p><strong>Adaptation Investigation</strong></p>
<p>Explore <strong>how fins, blubber, and streamlined bodies help humpbacks survive</strong> in their environment.</p>
<p><strong>Lifecycle Poster</strong></p>
<p>Include the migration route, breeding season (in warmer waters like Queensland), and feeding season (in Antarctic waters).</p>
<h4>Resources</h4>
<p>Click here for FREE <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/primary-resources/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">classification resources</a> and here for our <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Worksheet-Humpback_Whale_Classification.docx" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FREE Humpbacks Worksheet</a> for primary aged students.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f9ed.png" alt="🧭" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Local Learning Opportunities</h4>
<p>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.</p>
<p><strong>Consider planning:</strong></p>
<p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f433.png" alt="🐳" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> A virtual whale-watching tour</p>
<p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f433.png" alt="🐳" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> An incursion with Ocean Life Education</p>
<p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f433.png" alt="🐳" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> A field trip/ excursion to a local coastal lookout</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><strong><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f331.png" alt="🌱" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Encourage Conservation Conversations</strong></h4>
<p>Use this unit as a chance to build environmental awareness. Discuss:</p>
<ul>
<li>Plastic pollution and entanglement risks</li>
<li>The role of marine parks such as the Great Barrier Reef</li>
<li>Discuss why protecting migratory species like humpback whales matters to us in Australia</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Check out our <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/programs/primary-programs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Human Impact Programs</a></strong></p>
<h4><strong><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f3c1.png" alt="🏁" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Final Thoughts</strong></h4>
<p>By using the captivating journey of humpback whales along Australia’s East Coast, you can bring science to life in your classroom. It&#8217;s an engaging, real-world way to teach classification, adaptations, and environmental stewardship &#8211; all while meeting curriculum goals.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><strong>About Ocean Life Education <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-5861" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/OceanlifeEducation_transparent-Logo_2020-150x150.png" alt="Ocean Life Education" width="150" height="61" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/OceanlifeEducation_transparent-Logo_2020-300x123.png 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/OceanlifeEducation_transparent-Logo_2020-1024x420.png 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/OceanlifeEducation_transparent-Logo_2020-768x315.png 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/OceanlifeEducation_transparent-Logo_2020-624x256.png 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/OceanlifeEducation_transparent-Logo_2020-1536x630.png 1536w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/OceanlifeEducation_transparent-Logo_2020-2048x839.png 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /></strong></h4>
<p class="" data-start="105" data-end="499">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.</p>
<p class="" data-start="501" data-end="774">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.</p>
<h4><span style="color: #000000;"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/17.0.2/72x72/1f4da.png" alt="📚" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Recommended Resources &amp; Useful Links</span></h4>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><a style="color: #000000;" href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/programs/primary-programs/">Primary Incursions &amp; Excursions</a></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><a style="color: #000000;" href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/primary-resources/">Primary Resources &amp; Activities</a></span></p>
<p>Ocean Life Education’s <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/whale-resources/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Whale Resources</a></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>For more information about what we do, check out </strong><a style="color: #000000;" href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/"><strong>Ocean Life Education</strong></a><strong>.</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>We hoped you enjoyed reading our blog: Teaching Humpback Whale Classification: Resources for Primary Schools</strong></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #000000;"><strong>Here’s a </strong><a style="color: #000000;" href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/news/"><strong>link to our other  curriculum themed blogs</strong></a></span></p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/teaching-humpback-whale-classification/">Teaching Humpback Whale Classification: Resources for Primary Schools</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
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		<title>Teaching Life Cycles of Humpback Whales</title>
		<link>https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/teaching-humpback-whale-life-cycles/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[oceanlifeeducation]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 Feb 2025 05:04:05 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Resources & Activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Schools & Curriculum]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Whales]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[great barrier reef humpbacks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpback life cycles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpback whale]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpback whale life cycle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[learn about humpbacks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[life cycles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teach humpback whale]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/?p=5784</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Curriculum based facts for teachers about humpback whale life cycles, reproduction, habitats, and threats.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/teaching-humpback-whale-life-cycles/">Teaching Life Cycles of Humpback Whales</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-6905 size-large" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Eumundi-blog-page-banner-feature-14-1024x466.jpg" alt="Humpback whale" width="625" height="284" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Humpback whales are amongst the most fascinating marine mammals. Their annual migration up and down Queensland&#8217;s coast provides a fantastic learning opportunity for regional students. This blog offers educators valuable information about humpback whale<strong> life cycles, habitats, and threats, along with engaging discussion points and activities</strong> that can be brought to life with a trip to the coast to view the spectacle that is the annual humpback migration.</p>
<p><strong>Ocean Life Education</strong> can support curriculum learning by hosting a <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/programs/primary-programs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">humpback whale themed incursion or coastal excursion</a> or <strong>event </strong>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.</p>
<h4><b><span data-contrast="auto"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-5788 size-medium" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Migration-map-300x177.jpg" alt="Humpback migration map Australia" width="300" height="177" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Migration-map-300x177.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Migration-map-1024x603.jpg 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Migration-map-768x453.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Migration-map-624x368.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Migration-map.jpg 1478w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></span></b></h4>
<h4>The Journey from Antarctica to Queensland</h4>
<p>Each year, around <strong>20,000 humpback whales</strong> embark on one of the longest migrations of any species. They cover around 10,000 kilometres <strong>from the Antarctica to the warm water of Queensland further north</strong>. 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.</p>
<h4><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-6900 size-medium alignright" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Eumundi-blog-page-banner-feature-13-e1778199458496-300x194.jpg" alt="Great Barrier Reef Ecosystem" width="300" height="194" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Eumundi-blog-page-banner-feature-13-e1778199458496-300x194.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Eumundi-blog-page-banner-feature-13-e1778199458496-768x497.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Eumundi-blog-page-banner-feature-13-e1778199458496-624x404.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Eumundi-blog-page-banner-feature-13-e1778199458496.jpg 844w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />Why Do Humpback Whales Choose Queensland’s Warm Waters?</h4>
<p>Northern Queensland and The Great Barrier Reef provide the perfect conditions (<a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/programs/primary-programs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">see Habitats Program</a>) for humpback whale mothers and their calves. Unlike the food-rich waters of Antarctica, <strong>the tropical waters offer safety from predators</strong> like orcas and <strong>warmth for the less insulated calves &#8211; </strong>that haven&#8217;t yet developed sufficient blubber for cold temperatures.</p>
<p>Humpback whales also mate during this time in warmer waters.</p>
<h4><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-5790 size-large alignright" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/HB-life-cycle-483x1024.jpg" alt="Humpback whale life cycle resource" width="483" height="1024" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/HB-life-cycle-483x1024.jpg 483w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/HB-life-cycle-141x300.jpg 141w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/HB-life-cycle-768x1629.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/HB-life-cycle-624x1323.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/HB-life-cycle-724x1536.jpg 724w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/HB-life-cycle.jpg 943w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 483px) 100vw, 483px" /></span></h4>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>As mammals, <strong>humpback whales give birth to live young after an 11-month pregnancy</strong>.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<h4>Early Development</h4>
<p>The relationship between a mother and her calf is crucial for its survival. <strong>Mothers protect their calves and teach them essential skills, such as swimming &#8211; mimicking the mother, breathing, and using vocalisations to communicate</strong>.</p>
<p>A calf drinks a staggering <strong>600 litres of milk daily</strong>, enabling it to gain strength and blubber quickly in order to survive the journey back south to the icy cold waters of Antarctica.</p>
<p>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 <strong>it must adapt to colder temperatures and start learning how to find food on its own</strong>. By the time they reach Antarctica, the calf is much stronger and more independent.</p>
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<h4>Reproduction &amp; Maturity</h4>
<p>Humpback whales <strong>reach reproductive age after around 5-10 years</strong>. Once mature, they then mate during the long journey north.</p>
<p>Humpback whales live until they are about 50 years old, when they complete the humpback whale life cycle.</p>
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<h4>Teaching Opportunities in the Classroom</h4>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-6905 size-medium" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Eumundi-blog-page-banner-feature-14-e1778202402550-300x160.jpg" alt="Humpback whale" width="300" height="160" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Eumundi-blog-page-banner-feature-14-e1778202402550-300x160.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Eumundi-blog-page-banner-feature-14-e1778202402550-768x410.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Eumundi-blog-page-banner-feature-14-e1778202402550-624x333.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Eumundi-blog-page-banner-feature-14-e1778202402550.jpg 1022w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />Educators 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:</p>
<ol>
<li data-leveltext="%1." data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><b><span data-contrast="auto">Mapping the Migration</span></b><span data-contrast="auto"> – Have students trace the migration route and identify key locations such as The Antarctic, Hervey Bay, and the Great Barrier Reef. Check out our <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/whale-resources/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Humpback Whale Migration Calender</a>.</span></li>
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<li data-leveltext="%1." data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><b><span data-contrast="auto">Whale-Watching Research</span></b><span data-contrast="auto"> – 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 <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/programs/primary-programs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Human Impact Incursions</a>.</span></li>
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<ol>
<li data-leveltext="%1." data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><b><span data-contrast="auto">Creative Writing</span></b><span data-contrast="auto"> – Ask students to write a diary entry from the perspective of a migrating whale calf. Our </span><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/programs/primary-programs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ocean Literacy</a><span data-contrast="auto"> incursions can set you up perfectly for this.</span></li>
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<ol>
<li data-leveltext="%1." data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1"><b><span data-contrast="auto">Marine </span></b><b><span data-contrast="none">Animal</span></b><b><span data-contrast="auto"> Comparisons</span></b><span data-contrast="auto"> – Compare humpback whales with other marine animals, focusing on reproduction and survival strategies. Ocean Life Education’s </span><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/programs/primary-programs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">interactive marine displays</a><span data-contrast="auto"> offer the perfect opportunity to compare with a diverse range of marine species, including fish and turtles.</span></li>
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<ol>
<li data-leveltext="%1." data-font="" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1"><b><span data-contrast="auto">Environmental Awareness</span></b><span data-contrast="auto"> – Discuss threats such as climate change, shark nets, plastic pollution, and ship strikes, and brainstorm ways to help protect marine life. </span><span data-contrast="auto">Ocean Life Education&#8217;s </span>Human Impact Program, <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/programs/primary-programs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Earth Under Threat</a>, develops an understanding of the issues and how students can take responsibility for conservation.</li>
</ol>
<h4><b><span data-contrast="auto">Observing Whales in the Wild</span></b></h4>
<p>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 <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/humpback-whale-migration-guide/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">whale watching guide</a> to find out more.</p>
<h4><b><span data-contrast="auto">Conclusion</span></b></h4>
<p>Humpback whales are a vital part of Australia’s marine ecosystem, and their migration offers <strong>a compelling educational topic.</strong> By teaching students about these magnificent creatures, <strong>educators can foster a love for marine conservation and inspire future generations to protect our oceans. </strong></p>
<p>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.</p>
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<p class="flex flex-grow flex-col max-w-full" style="text-align: left;"><span class="TextRun SCXW180158070 BCX0" lang="EN-AU" xml:lang="EN-AU" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW180158070 BCX0">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!</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW180158070 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}"> </span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4 class="px-4 py-2 justify-center text-base md:gap-6 m-auto">About Ocean Life Education<strong><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-5791 size-thumbnail" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/7b1d37cb-6792-46e4-88b4-a181a42a3711-1-150x150.jpg" alt="Jaide Cambourne Ocean Life Education" width="150" height="150" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/7b1d37cb-6792-46e4-88b4-a181a42a3711-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/7b1d37cb-6792-46e4-88b4-a181a42a3711-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/7b1d37cb-6792-46e4-88b4-a181a42a3711-1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/7b1d37cb-6792-46e4-88b4-a181a42a3711-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/7b1d37cb-6792-46e4-88b4-a181a42a3711-1-624x624.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/7b1d37cb-6792-46e4-88b4-a181a42a3711-1-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/7b1d37cb-6792-46e4-88b4-a181a42a3711-1-400x400.jpg 400w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/7b1d37cb-6792-46e4-88b4-a181a42a3711-1-50x50.jpg 50w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/7b1d37cb-6792-46e4-88b4-a181a42a3711-1.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /></strong></h4>
<p>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. <strong>Ocean Life Education&#8217;s aim is to  raise awareness about the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and the threats they face today</strong>.</p>
<p>We bring the ocean to life with our <strong>mobile incursions, engaging excusions, and events across South East Queensland</strong>! Visiting early learning centers, schools, and other settings, we deliver interactive, curriculum-based programs featuring live marine animals and live marine displays.</p>
<p>Our diverse team of <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/ocean-life-resources/">live marine animals</a> includes a<strong> baby shark, freshwater turtle, sea stars, sea cucumbers and sea urchins.</strong></p>
<h4 class="px-4 py-2 justify-center text-base md:gap-6 m-auto"><span class="TextRun SCXW29655914 BCX0" lang="EN-AU" xml:lang="EN-AU" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW29655914 BCX0">Resources and Further Reading</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW29655914 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}"> </span></h4>
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<p><a style="font-size: 1rem;" href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/programs/primary-programs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><b><span data-contrast="auto">Primary Programs</span></b></a><span style="font-size: 1rem;" data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}"> </span></p>
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<p><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/whale-resources/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><b><span data-contrast="auto">Whale Resources and online courses</span></b><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}"> </span></a></p>
<h4 class="w-full text-token-text-primary" data-testid="conversation-turn-5">For more information about what we do, check out <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</h4>
<p><strong style="font-size: 1rem;">We hoped you enjoyed reading our blog: Teaching Humpback Whale Life Cycles</strong></p>
<h4><strong>Here&#8217;s a <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/news/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">link to our other news</a></strong></h4>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/teaching-humpback-whale-life-cycles/">Teaching Life Cycles of Humpback Whales</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
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		<title>OCEAN NEWS – Watching Queensland’s Humpback Migration</title>
		<link>https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/ocean-news-watching-queenslands-humpback-migration/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[oceanlifeeducation]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 23 Aug 2022 03:23:02 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Whales]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[human impact]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpback facts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpback fast facts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humpback migration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpback migration queensland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpback whale]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpbacks queensland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marine education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marine news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[newsletter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ocean life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ocean Life Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ocean news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[the whale pump]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[whale conservation]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/?p=3708</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>This Month: Celebrating Queensland&#8217;s Humpback Migration, FREE migration calendar, How whale poo fights climate change, Humpback fast facts, Teaching Human Impact, Out &#38; 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 [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/ocean-news-watching-queenslands-humpback-migration/">OCEAN NEWS – Watching Queensland’s Humpback Migration</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-3703 size-large" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Migration-Map-July-2022-1024x603.jpg" alt="humpback whale migration map" width="625" height="368" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Migration-Map-July-2022-1024x603.jpg 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Migration-Map-July-2022-300x177.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Migration-Map-July-2022-768x453.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Migration-Map-July-2022-624x368.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Migration-Map-July-2022-1536x905.jpg 1536w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Migration-Map-July-2022-2048x1207.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></p>
<h4><strong>This Month:</strong></h4>
<p><strong><em>Celebrating Queensland&#8217;s Humpback Migration, FREE migration calendar, How whale poo fights climate change, Humpback fast facts, Teaching Human Impact, Out &amp; About this month, <span class="markgtzz7pavv" data-markjs="true" data-ogac="" data-ogab="" data-ogsc="" data-ogsb="">Ocean</span> Creature Feature. </em></strong></p>
<h2></h2>
<h3>Woohoo!!!! The Humpbacks are Back</h3>
<p>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?</p>
<p>Read our <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/where-to-see-humpback-whale-migration-east-coast-australia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BLOG</a> to find out when and where to see the Annual Humpback Migration on East Coast Australia and learn a whole lot more about it.</p>
<p><strong>Click below for our downloadable FREE Humpback Migration Calendar (see foot of email)</strong></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-2855 size-large" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/WHALE-PUMP-3-1024x724.png" alt="the whale pump" width="625" height="442" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">How Whale Poo Fights Climate Change &#8211; The Whale Pump</h3>
<p>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 &#8220;Whale Pump&#8221;.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>These tiny organisms (phytoplankton) absorb one-third of the carbon dioxide humans breathe out. They also produce half of the planet&#8217;s oxygen. So, as you can see, keeping this process working and our oceans healthy is crucial to our survival!</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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?</p>
<p><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/programs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Programs &amp; Free Resources</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-3715 size-large" title="humpback fast facts" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Humpback-Fast-Facts-724x1024.png" alt="humpback fast facts" width="625" height="884" /></p>
<h2>Humpbacks Course &amp; Resources</h2>
<h3 align="left"><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/online-courses/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img decoding="async" id="x__x0000_i1040" src="https://mcusercontent.com/405f8237b6c23565cb7165b4c/images/aae32cbb-9566-1964-aa0c-5dde10041e69.png" alt="https://mcusercontent.com/405f8237b6c23565cb7165b4c/images/aae32cbb-9566-1964-aa0c-5dde10041e69.png" width="264" border="0" data-imagetype="External" /></a></h3>
<p align="left">Want to learn more about Australia&#8217;s iconic humpback whales?<br aria-hidden="true" /><br aria-hidden="true" />Check out our <a title="Protected by Outlook: https://oceanlifeeducation.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=405f8237b6c23565cb7165b4c&amp;id=b05f2c3629&amp;e=7e8fab6cbc. Click or tap to follow the link." href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Foceanlifeeducation.us3.list-manage.com%2Ftrack%2Fclick%3Fu%3D405f8237b6c23565cb7165b4c%26id%3Db05f2c3629%26e%3D7e8fab6cbc&amp;data=05%7C01%7C%7C0abc0e9cf88347b819dd08da857470a7%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637969032424325263%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=7TIONBDtfzV8zNO4hgMgHF6aP2sXSCIBHRrx%2B1yeAS8%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="Verified" data-linkindex="5">online course and teaching resource</a><a title="Protected by Outlook: https://oceanlifeeducation.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=405f8237b6c23565cb7165b4c&amp;id=479eedad3b&amp;e=7e8fab6cbc. Click or tap to follow the link." href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Foceanlifeeducation.us3.list-manage.com%2Ftrack%2Fclick%3Fu%3D405f8237b6c23565cb7165b4c%26id%3D479eedad3b%26e%3D7e8fab6cbc&amp;data=05%7C01%7C%7C0abc0e9cf88347b819dd08da857470a7%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637969032424481477%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=m%2B%2FoZ024xrvpfduNtMDQK3v6RfsfR4JsSfTqOSI3ox0%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="Verified" data-linkindex="6">s</a>. &#8211; Both contain awesome <em>videos, infographics, maps, fast facts, quizzes</em>, and more!</p>
<h3><strong><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3637" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/human-impact-300x300.png" alt="" width="300" height="300" /></strong></h3>
<h3><strong>Our Programs: Teaching Human Impact</strong></h3>
<p>Our Human Impact program <strong> &#8216;The Earth Under Threat&#8217;</strong> aims to educate and inspire children to want to learn more and protect our oceans.</p>
<p>Students:</p>
<ul>
<li>Learn what humans do can harm the marine environment</li>
<li>Identify how changes to the marine environment; like weather patterns, land clearing, over-fishing, and pollution, affect it, its creatures, and us</li>
<li>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</li>
</ul>
<p>To find out more, click <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/programs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HERE</a></p>
<h3>Key dates coming up:</h3>
<p><strong>September 2022</strong></p>
<p>4th  &#8211; National Wildlife Day</p>
<p>7th  &#8211; Threatened Species Day</p>
<p>18th &#8211; World Clean Up Day</p>
<p>17th &#8211; Int. Coastal Cleanup Day</p>
<p>17th &#8211; World Manta Day</p>
<p>18th &#8211; Sea Otter Awareness Week</p>
<p>24th &#8211; Fish Amnesty Day</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Support a whale charity:</h3>
<p><a href="http://au.whales.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Whale &amp; Dolphin Conservation</a><strong><br />
</strong><a href="http://marineconservation.org.au/whaling/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Marine Conservation</a><strong><br />
</strong><a href="http://seashepherd.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sea Shepherd</a><strong><br />
</strong><a href="http://hhr.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Humpbacks &amp; Highrises</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Migration-calendar-v2-1.pdf"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-3603 size-thumbnail" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Humpback-Migration-Calendar-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Humpback-Migration-Calendar-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Humpback-Migration-Calendar-400x400.jpg 400w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Humpback-Migration-Calendar-50x50.jpg 50w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /></a><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Migration-calendar-v2-1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DOWNLOAD FREE MIGRATION CALENDAR</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/ocean-news-watching-queenslands-humpback-migration/">OCEAN NEWS – Watching Queensland’s Humpback Migration</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
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		<title>Where to See the Annual Humpback Migration on East Coast Australia</title>
		<link>https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/where-to-see-humpback-whale-migration-east-coast-australia/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[oceanlifeeducation]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 26 Jul 2022 04:35:31 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Whales]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[annual humpback migration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[best places to see humpback whales]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[east coast migration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpback facts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humpback migration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpback whale migration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humpback Whales]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpbacks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpbacks queensland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpbacks sunshine coast]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[see whales]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[whale watching queensland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[whale watching sunshine coast]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[whale watching tours]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[whales]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/?p=3612</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>It&#8217;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&#8217;s the greatest show on earth! Why not head down to the coast and [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/where-to-see-humpback-whale-migration-east-coast-australia/">Where to See the Annual Humpback Migration on East Coast Australia</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-3703 size-large" title="australian humpback whale migration map" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Migration-Map-July-2022-1024x603.jpg" alt="australian humpback whale migration map" width="625" height="368" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Migration-Map-July-2022-1024x603.jpg 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Migration-Map-July-2022-300x177.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Migration-Map-July-2022-768x453.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Migration-Map-July-2022-624x368.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Migration-Map-July-2022-1536x905.jpg 1536w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Migration-Map-July-2022-2048x1207.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></p>
<h3></h3>
<p>It&#8217;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&#8217;s the greatest show on earth! Why not head down to the coast and join in the celebration? Read on to find out when and where to see the annual humpback migration on East Coast Australia and to learn a whole lot more about it&#8230;</p>
<h4><span style="color: #01cdff;">Get your Humpback Whale Migration Calendar below</span></h4>
<h4><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/programs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Book a Humpback Whale themed incursion</a> or Check out our <a href="https://oceanlifeeducation.thinkific.com/courses/humpback-whale-migration-teaching-resources" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Humpback Whale Teaching Resource Pack</a></h4>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3></h3>
<h3><strong>The Best Time to see the Humpback Whale Migration on the East Coast</strong></h3>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-9925 size-thumbnail" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Blog-sq-images-26-150x150.jpg" alt="Humpback Whale Watching Guide" width="150" height="150" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Blog-sq-images-26-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Blog-sq-images-26-300x300.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Blog-sq-images-26-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Blog-sq-images-26-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Blog-sq-images-26-624x624.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Blog-sq-images-26-400x400.jpg 400w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Blog-sq-images-26-50x50.jpg 50w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Blog-sq-images-26.jpg 1080w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />The exact timing varies depending on the temperature of the water, among other factors, but generally the best time to see humpback whales on the East Coast is <strong>between May and November</strong> each year.</p>
<p>The whales firstly migrate north up the East Coast, then can be seen migrating back south from <strong>September to November</strong>. This is the best time to see the humpback whale migration as they often have calves and swim close to the shore in order to protect the calves from predators.</p>
<h3></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Remember!</h3>
<p>Calm morning waters make humpback whales easier to spot but sunsets make for spectacular photos!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>The Best Places to See Humpback Whales in Queensland</strong></h3>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-6900 alignright" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Eumundi-blog-page-banner-feature-13-e1778199458496-300x194.jpg" alt="Great Barrier Reef Ecosystem" width="300" height="194" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Eumundi-blog-page-banner-feature-13-e1778199458496-300x194.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Eumundi-blog-page-banner-feature-13-e1778199458496-768x497.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Eumundi-blog-page-banner-feature-13-e1778199458496-624x404.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Eumundi-blog-page-banner-feature-13-e1778199458496.jpg 844w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />The best places to see humpback whales in Queensland are considered to be the <strong>Sunshine Coast, The Great Barrer Reef, and Hervey Bay</strong>.</p>
<p>The humpback whale&#8217;s spectacular acrobatic displays can be easily seen from the shore or from a viewpoint, but if you want to get closer, take a whale watching tour.</p>
<p><em>Don’t forget to ensure you book with a company that operates in a respectful manner as whales need to be protected from human impact.</em></p>
<h3></h3>
<h3><strong>The Best Places to See Humpback Whales on Queensland&#8217;s Sunshine Coast</strong></h3>
<p>You can easily see whales on Queensland&#8217;s Sunshine Coast from the shore. Sometimes you&#8217;ll see several pods at once as the view points tend to offer 180 degree viewing. Not many people can say they can watch whales from close to their own doorstep!</p>
<h4><strong>The best places on the Sunshine Coast include:</strong></h4>
<p>Coolum: Point Perry or Point Arkwright, Coolum <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-3632" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Point-Arkwright-Yaroomba-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Point-Arkwright-Yaroomba-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Point-Arkwright-Yaroomba-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Point-Arkwright-Yaroomba-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Point-Arkwright-Yaroomba-624x468.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Point-Arkwright-Yaroomba.jpg 1305w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>
<p>Kawana: Point Cartwright</p>
<p>Moffat Beach Headland</p>
<p>Noosa: Hells Gate, Noosa National Park</p>
<p>Alexandra Headland</p>
<h4></h4>
<h3>The Best Places to See Humpback Whales near Brisbane</h3>
<p>If you live in or are visiting Queensland’s biggest city, Brisbane, then <strong>North Stradbroke</strong> is the best place to see humpback whales from the shoreline. It’s an easy and very beautiful 50 minute boat ride from the outskirts of Brisbane. North Stradbroke is home to a large Aboriginal population which celebrates the arrival of the whales each year.</p>
<h3><strong>Whale Watching Tours in Queensland</strong></h3>
<p>If you wish to do a whale watching tour in Queensland, you could find the whales swimming under your boat. It’s really not uncommon as whales can be very inquisitive!</p>
<p>Boats are not permitted to go within three hundred meters of whales but if they come to you, that’s another matter. Our recommended spots for whale watching boat tours are <strong>Mooloolaba, Hervey Bay (about a quarter of humpbacks pass through here), Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef.</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Humpback Whale Migration Events &amp; Celebratons</h3>
<p>Humpback whale events and celebrations take place annually along Queensland&#8217;s coast. The Quandamooka Aboriginal people of North Stradbroke Island host a “Welcome the whales” traditional celebration and no wonder, the island has some great vantage points for watching the show!</p>
<p>Further north, Hervey Bay is famous for the <a href="http://herveybaywhalefestival.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hervey Bay Whale Festival</a>. Hervey Bay is unlike anywhere else along the ‘humpback highway’, as many whales stop here to spend around ten days resting, socialising and playing before continuing their trip back south to the Antarctic for the summer months.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Want to know more humpback whale facts?</h3>
<p>Check out our <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/online-courses/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">online humpback whale course</a> to learn a whole lot more humpback whale facts. The course includes awesome <strong>videos, infographics, a whale-watching guide, migration calendar, maps, quizzes</strong> <strong>and more! </strong></p>
<p><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/online-courses/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-3231 size-medium" title="humpback whale teaching resources" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/webpage-banner-1-300x150.jpg" alt="humpback whale teaching resources" width="300" height="150" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/webpage-banner-1-300x150.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/webpage-banner-1-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/webpage-banner-1-768x384.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/webpage-banner-1-624x312.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/webpage-banner-1.jpg 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a></p>
<p>Click here for <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/online-courses/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">teaching resources</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3><strong>How Can I Protect Whales?</strong><strong> </strong></h3>
<p><strong>You can make a difference and protect whales while watching them by following the following guidelines:<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-9927 alignright" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Facebook-EDM-post-6-300x300.jpg" alt="Humpback Whale Resources" width="300" height="300" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Facebook-EDM-post-6-300x300.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Facebook-EDM-post-6-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Facebook-EDM-post-6-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Facebook-EDM-post-6-624x624.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Facebook-EDM-post-6-400x400.jpg 400w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Facebook-EDM-post-6-50x50.jpg 50w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Facebook-EDM-post-6.jpg 788w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></strong></p>
<p>Educate yourself and tell friends</p>
<p>Whale watch with a thoughtful and responsible company</p>
<p>Report sick or injured animals</p>
<p>Reduce plastic usage</p>
<p>Support a whale charity such as:</p>
<p><a href="http://au.whales.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Whale &amp; Dolphin Conservation</a><strong><br />
</strong><a href="http://marineconservation.org.au/whaling/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Marine Conservation</a><strong><br />
</strong><a href="http://seashepherd.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sea Shepherd</a><strong><br />
</strong><a href="http://hhr.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Humpbacks &amp; Highrises</a></p>
<h4><span style="color: #01cdff;"><span style="color: #000000;">Get your</span> <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Humpback-Migration-Calendar-1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FREE Humpback Whale Migration Calendar</a></span></h4>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/where-to-see-humpback-whale-migration-east-coast-australia/">Where to See the Annual Humpback Migration on East Coast Australia</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
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		<title>Humpback Whale Migration Guide</title>
		<link>https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/humpback-whale-migration-guide/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[oceanlifeeducation]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 07 Jul 2021 08:48:14 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Whales]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[east coast migration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Eastern Humpback Migration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[eastern migration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpback]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humpback migration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpback whale]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpback whale migration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[queensland whale watching]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[watch the humpback migration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[whale watching]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[whale watching by boat]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Whale Watching Guide]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[whale watching on the sunshine coast]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[whale watching tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[why we need whales]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/?p=2963</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>After a summer of feeding on up to 4 tonnes of krill in nutrient-rich chilly Antarctic waters, more than 20,000 Humpback Whales migrate north to the sub-tropical waters of East Coast Australia. They head to the warm waters of the Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef, to mate and give birth. The east coast migration [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/humpback-whale-migration-guide/">Humpback Whale Migration Guide</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-9641 aligncenter" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/thara58-humpback-whale-2298491_1920-300x225.jpg" alt="Humpback whale migration" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/thara58-humpback-whale-2298491_1920-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/thara58-humpback-whale-2298491_1920-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/thara58-humpback-whale-2298491_1920-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/thara58-humpback-whale-2298491_1920-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/thara58-humpback-whale-2298491_1920-624x468.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/thara58-humpback-whale-2298491_1920.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>
<p>After a summer of feeding on up to 4 tonnes of krill in nutrient-rich chilly Antarctic waters, more than 20,000 Humpback Whales migrate north to the sub-tropical waters of East Coast Australia. They head to the warm waters of the Coral Sea and Great Barrier Reef, to mate and give birth. The east coast migration is one of the longest migratory journeys of any mammal on Earth – up to 10,000 km round trip! Our <strong>Humpback Migration Guide</strong> will help you make the most of one of the most incredible shows on earth&#8230;</p>
<p>To get the full low down on the east coast migration, check out our <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/online-courses/">online course</a>. <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/online-courses/"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-3122 size-thumbnail" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Humpback-Whale-Square-1-150x150.png" alt="humpback whale" width="150" height="150" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Humpback-Whale-Square-1-150x150.png 150w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Humpback-Whale-Square-1-300x300.png 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Humpback-Whale-Square-1-400x400.png 400w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Humpback-Whale-Square-1-50x50.png 50w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Humpback-Whale-Square-1.png 500w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /></a></p>
<h4></h4>
<h4></h4>
<h4><strong>When to Watch the Humpback Migration</strong></h4>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-9927 size-thumbnail" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Facebook-EDM-post-6-150x150.jpg" alt="Humpback Whale Resources" width="150" height="150" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Facebook-EDM-post-6-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Facebook-EDM-post-6-300x300.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Facebook-EDM-post-6-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Facebook-EDM-post-6-624x624.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Facebook-EDM-post-6-400x400.jpg 400w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Facebook-EDM-post-6-50x50.jpg 50w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Facebook-EDM-post-6.jpg 788w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />The exact timing of the humpback migration can vary slightly from year to year but generally the whales can be easily seen off the East Coast at the following times:</p>
<p><strong>May – Aug      </strong>       Migrating north (generally 5-10km from the coast)</p>
<p><strong>Sept – Nov     </strong>       Migrating back South (often with new-born calves)</p>
<p><strong>This map highlights some of the best whale watching lookouts on the east coast.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Tip:</strong> <em>The whales are normally<strong> easier to see migrating south</strong> as they tend to travel closer to shore, protecting their calves from predators.</em></p>
<h4></h4>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Check out our <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Humpback-Migration-Calendar-1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Humpback Whale Migration Calendar</a> for more details&#8230;</strong></p>
<h4><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Humpback-Migration-Calendar-1.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-3224 " src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Humpback-Migration-Calendar-212x300.jpg" alt="Humpback Migration Calendar" width="268" height="379" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Humpback-Migration-Calendar-212x300.jpg 212w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Humpback-Migration-Calendar-724x1024.jpg 724w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Humpback-Migration-Calendar-768x1086.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Humpback-Migration-Calendar-624x883.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Humpback-Migration-Calendar-1086x1536.jpg 1086w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Humpback-Migration-Calendar.jpg 1414w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 268px) 100vw, 268px" /></a></h4>
<h4></h4>
<h4>Time of Day</h4>
<p><strong>Morning &#8211; </strong>Calm morning waters make easy viewing, before the wind picks up.<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-9925 size-thumbnail" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Blog-sq-images-26-150x150.jpg" alt="Humpback Whale Watching Guide" width="150" height="150" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Blog-sq-images-26-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Blog-sq-images-26-300x300.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Blog-sq-images-26-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Blog-sq-images-26-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Blog-sq-images-26-624x624.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Blog-sq-images-26-400x400.jpg 400w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Blog-sq-images-26-50x50.jpg 50w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Blog-sq-images-26.jpg 1080w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /></p>
<p><strong>Evening &#8211; </strong>Sunsets make for spectacular whale watching as the changing light highlights the action.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><strong><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-9824 size-thumbnail" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Facebook-EDM-post-3-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Facebook-EDM-post-3-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Facebook-EDM-post-3-400x400.jpg 400w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Facebook-EDM-post-3-50x50.jpg 50w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />Where to Watch </strong></h4>
<p>The humpback&#8217;s spectacular acrobatic displays are often easily observed from the beach or land-based lookouts &#8211; so everyone gets the chance to watch for free!!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><strong>Best Whale Watching on the Sunshine Coast <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-9823 size-thumbnail" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Facebook-EDM-post-4-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Facebook-EDM-post-4-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Facebook-EDM-post-4-400x400.jpg 400w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Facebook-EDM-post-4-50x50.jpg 50w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /></strong></h4>
<p>The best whale watching on the Sunshine Coast can be observed from&#8230;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Coolum:</strong> Point Perry or Point Arkwright, Coolum</li>
<li><strong>Kawana:</strong> Point Cartwright</li>
<li><strong>Moffat Beach Headland</strong></li>
<li><strong>Noosa:</strong> Hells Gate, Noosa National Park</li>
<li><strong>Alexandra Headland</strong></li>
</ul>
<h4><strong>Queensland Whale Watching by Boat </strong></h4>
<p>Our favorite places to go whale watching by boat&#8230;</p>
<p><strong>-Mooloolaba</strong></p>
<p><strong>-Hervey Bay</strong>: about a quarter of humpbacks enter Hervey Bay</p>
<p><strong>-Whitsundays</strong></p>
<p><strong>-Great Barrier Reef</strong></p>
<h4></h4>
<h4><strong>Best Whale Watching near Brisbane</strong></h4>
<p>In our opinion, the best whale watching near Brisbane is from&#8230;</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>North Stradbroke Island</strong> &#8211; Point Lookout</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><strong>Whale Watching Tips</strong></h4>
<p>Here are our whale watching tips &#8211; to ensure you get the most from your experience</p>
<ul>
<li>Be respectful and mindful &#8211; follow 100 meter distance regulations</li>
<li>Take binoculars</li>
<li>Take a copy of our Identifying Humpbacks guide so you know what you&#8217;re looking for</li>
<li>Get up high for a better view</li>
<li>Be patient</li>
<li>Get educated so you can impress your friends with the facts!</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Don&#8217;t forget to look out for East Coast Australia’s most famous white humpback whale. It’s Aboriginal name is ‘Migaloo’ or ‘white fella’.</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><strong>Why We Need Whales</strong></h4>
<p>Whales are essential to the marine eco-system and therefore to us. They help to keep our oceans healthy. As we get up to 70% of our oxygen from the sea, we need it to be healthy enough to produce that oxygen, else we humans can’t survive!</p>
<h4><strong>5 Ways You Can Protect Whales <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-9822 size-thumbnail" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Facebook-EDM-post-5-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Facebook-EDM-post-5-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Facebook-EDM-post-5-400x400.jpg 400w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Facebook-EDM-post-5-50x50.jpg 50w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /></strong></h4>
<ol start="1" type="1">
<li>Educate yourself &amp; your friends</li>
<li>Whale watch with a responsible company &amp; keep 100 metres away</li>
<li>Report sick or injured animals</li>
<li>Reduce plastic usage &amp; do not litter</li>
<li>Support a whale charity:</li>
</ol>
<p><a href="http://au.whales.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Whale &amp; Dolphin Conservation</a><strong><br />
</strong><a href="http://marineconservation.org.au/whaling/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Marine Conservation</a><strong><br />
</strong><a href="http://seashepherd.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sea Shepherd</a><strong><br />
</strong><a href="http://hhr.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Humpbacks &amp; Highrises</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/online-courses/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-3122 size-thumbnail alignleft" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Humpback-Whale-Square-1-150x150.png" alt="humpback whale kids course" width="150" height="150" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Humpback-Whale-Square-1-150x150.png 150w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Humpback-Whale-Square-1-300x300.png 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Humpback-Whale-Square-1-400x400.png 400w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Humpback-Whale-Square-1-50x50.png 50w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Humpback-Whale-Square-1.png 500w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /></a>To get educated about the humpback migration and why we need to protect whales, why not check out our <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/online-courses/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">online course for kids</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Interested in other courses for kids? Check out our <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/shark-resources/">Amazing Sharks Course</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/humpback-whale-migration-guide/">Humpback Whale Migration Guide</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
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		<title>Humpback Whale Kids Course</title>
		<link>https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/humpback-whale-kids-course/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[oceanlifeeducation]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 21 Jun 2021 05:25:58 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Whales]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[eastern humpback]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpback certificate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpback course]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpback course for kids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpback kids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpback migration course]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpback videos]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpback whale]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpback whale kids course]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humpback Whales]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpback whales course]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpback whales kids course]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpbacks for kids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[migration calendar]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[whale certificate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[whale charity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[whale kids course]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[whale watching]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/?p=2805</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Woohoo!!! The humpbacks are coming up the coast, so we’re celebrating their arrival with an awesome new Humpback Whale Kids Course.  &#160; &#160; More than 20,000 Humpback Whales migrate up the East Coast of Australia from May each year. It’s one of the longest migratory journeys of any mammal (up to 10,000km) and it’s free [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/humpback-whale-kids-course/">Humpback Whale Kids Course</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Woohoo!!! The humpbacks are coming up the coast, so we’re celebrating their arrival with an awesome new <strong><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/online-courses/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Humpback Whale Kids Course</a>. </strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-2776 size-thumbnail" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cow-calf-4-150x150.png" alt="humpback migration" width="150" height="150" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>More than <strong>20,000 Humpback Whales</strong> migrate up the East Coast of Australia from May each year. It’s one of the longest migratory journeys of any mammal (up to 10,000km) and it’s free and easy to watch from the coast. So why not get the low down on the migration and get down to the ocean to experience what’s probably the greatest acrobatic show on earth!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3></h3>
<h3><strong>Humpback Whale Kids Course Content</strong></h3>
<p>We’ve created awesome <strong>videos, images, fast facts, infographics, a whale watching guide, humpback ID chart, a migration calendar, maps, quizzes</strong> and more that will arm you with all you need to know about humpbacks.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-3231 size-medium" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/webpage-banner-1-300x150.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="150" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/webpage-banner-1-300x150.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/webpage-banner-1-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/webpage-banner-1-768x384.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/webpage-banner-1-624x312.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/webpage-banner-1.jpg 1440w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Check out our <strong><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/online-courses/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Humpback Whale Kids Course</a>. </strong></p>
<h3><strong>Whale Watching Guide</strong></h3>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-2807 size-thumbnail" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/whale-watching-150x150.png" alt="whale watching" width="150" height="150" />Our whale watching guide includes everything you need to know about whale watching, including:</p>
<p><strong>When &amp; where to go whale watching</strong></p>
<p><strong>Humpback whale migration calendar</strong></p>
<p><strong>Best lookout points: QLD &amp; NSW</strong></p>
<p><strong>Whale watching tips</strong></p>
<p><strong>Humpback identification chart</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>Humpback Videos</strong></h3>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-2808 size-thumbnail" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/mother-calf-150x150.png" alt="humpback &amp; calf" width="150" height="150" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Our short <strong>humpback videos</strong> include amazing footage of humpbacks doing what they do best – breaching, slapping and  singing! so, we’ve added some lively music which we think goes pretty well with the whales &#8211; it’s big and bold too!!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Check out our <strong><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/online-courses/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Humpback Whale Kids Course</a>. </strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3> <strong>How to Protect Humpback Whales</strong></h3>
<p><strong><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-2809 size-thumbnail" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Sunset-1-150x150.png" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></strong></p>
<p>We can all do our bit to help protect humpback whales, like&#8230;</p>
<p><strong>Educate yourself &amp; your friends</strong></p>
<p><strong>Whale watch with a responsible company &amp; keep 100 metres away</strong></p>
<p><strong>Report sick or injured animals</strong></p>
<p><strong>Reduce plastic usage &amp; do not litter</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4></h4>
<h4><strong>Support a whale conservation organisation&#8230;</strong></h4>
<p>Whale &amp; Dolphin Conservation <a href="http://au.whales.org/">au.whales.org/</a></p>
<p>Marine Conservation <a href="http://marineconservation.org.au/whaling/">marineconservation.org.au/whaling/</a></p>
<p>Sea Shepherd <a href="http://seashepherd.org.au/">seashepherd.org.au/</a></p>
<p>Humpbacks &amp; Highrises <a href="http://hhr.org.au/">hhr.org.au/</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><strong><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/online-courses/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-3122 size-thumbnail" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Humpback-Whale-Square-1-150x150.png" alt="humpback whale" width="150" height="150" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Humpback-Whale-Square-1-150x150.png 150w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Humpback-Whale-Square-1-300x300.png 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Humpback-Whale-Square-1-400x400.png 400w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Humpback-Whale-Square-1-50x50.png 50w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Humpback-Whale-Square-1.png 500w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /></a><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/online-courses/">Humpback Whale Kids Online Course</a></strong></h4>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<h4><strong><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/online-courses/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-2896" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Whale-pump-150x150.png" alt="humpback teaching resources" width="118" height="118" /></a></strong></h4>
<h4><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/online-courses/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Humpback Whale Teaching Resources</strong></a></h4>
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<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/humpback-whale-kids-course/">Humpback Whale Kids Course</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
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		<title>Humpback Whale Teaching Resources</title>
		<link>https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/humpback-whale-teaching-resources/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[oceanlifeeducation]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 18 Jun 2021 05:02:19 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Resources & Activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Whales]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[east coast humpbacks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[eastern migration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[how to protect humpbacks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humback whales resources]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpback curriculum]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humpback migration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humpback Migration Teaching Resources]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpback resources]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpback teaching resources]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpback whale]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpback whale kids course]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpback whale teaching resources]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[humpback whale videos]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Humpback Whales]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[teaching resources]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/?p=2772</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>&#160; Each year, from May, around 50,000 Humpback Whales migrate from their feeding grounds in the chilly waters of the Antarctic, to warmer waters off Australia&#8217;s East and West Coast to birth and mate. The migration can easily be seen from the coast and the acrobatic whales make awesome viewing. So, we decided to create [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/humpback-whale-teaching-resources/">Humpback Whale Teaching Resources</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-3235 size-medium" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Humpback-hero-2-300x251.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="251" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Humpback-hero-2-300x251.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Humpback-hero-2-768x644.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Humpback-hero-2-624x523.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Humpback-hero-2.jpg 940w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Each year, from May, around 50,000 Humpback Whales migrate from their feeding grounds in the chilly waters of the Antarctic, to warmer waters off Australia&#8217;s East and West Coast to birth and mate. The migration can easily be seen from the coast and the acrobatic whales make awesome viewing. So, we decided to create some inspirational humpback migration teaching resources to engage students and to celebrate the arrival of the whales!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-2773" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/breaching-2-150x150.png" alt="Humpback" width="171" height="171" />Curriculum Humpback Whale Teaching Resources</h2>
<p>These image-based humpback whale teaching resources are designed to assist in teaching <strong>curriculum themes such as </strong><em>human impact, habitats, adaptation, and classification,</em> using an iconic and topical subject. Resources include downloadable <strong>videos, infographics, fact sheets, maps, a migration calendar, presentation, activities</strong> and more.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Humpback Whale Topics Covered <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-2777" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/eye-holing-150x150.png" alt="Humpback eye" width="184" height="184" /><br />
</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li>Humpback Migration Route</li>
<li>Humpback Habitats</li>
<li>Humpback Fast Facts</li>
<li>Adaptations &amp; Anatomy</li>
<li>Humpback Classification</li>
<li>Humpback v Toothed Whale &amp; Food Webs</li>
<li>Humpback Reproduction</li>
<li>Why We Need Whales &#8211; The Whale Pump</li>
<li>Human Impact</li>
<li>How to Help Protect Whales</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-2780" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Migration-Map-3-150x150.png" alt="" width="85" height="85" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Migration-Map-3-150x150.png 150w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Migration-Map-3-400x400.png 400w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Migration-Map-3-50x50.png 50w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 85px) 100vw, 85px" />A Sample of our Humpback Whale Teaching Resources</strong></h2>
<p>Migration Route Map – detailing how the whales travel up the West &amp; East Coast</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-2778" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/FOOD-WEB-150x150.png" alt="Whale Food Webs" width="84" height="84" /></p>
<p>Food Webs – baleen versus toothed whales</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-2783" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/WHALE-PUMP-1-150x150.png" alt="" width="87" height="87" />The Whale Pump – how whales help us breath</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-2784" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/The-plastic-Ocean-Cycle-150x150.png" alt="" width="85" height="85" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/The-plastic-Ocean-Cycle-150x150.png 150w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/The-plastic-Ocean-Cycle-400x400.png 400w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/The-plastic-Ocean-Cycle-50x50.png 50w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 85px) 100vw, 85px" />Activity – The Plastic Ocean Cycle</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2></h2>
<h2></h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Humpback Whale Videos <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-2775" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/bubble-net-feeding-150x150.png" alt="" width="224" height="224" /></strong></h2>
<p>We have used impressive humpback whale videos featuring whales being whales! We put the videos to music that should bring a smile to student’s faces!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-2779" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/human-impact-150x150.png" alt="" width="176" height="176" /></strong><strong>Educating Students to Protect</strong></h2>
<p>We believe that educating students is the best way to inspire them to want to protect the ocean and marine life. The resources pack closes with a section on how students can protect humpback whales.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><strong>5 Ways You Can Protect Humpback Whales <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright wp-image-2781" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Sunset-150x150.png" alt="" width="235" height="235" /></strong></h4>
<ol>
<li>Educate yourself &amp; your friends</li>
<li>Whale watch with a responsible company &amp; keep 100 metres away</li>
<li>Report sick or injured animals</li>
<li>Reduce plastic usage &amp; do not litter</li>
<li>Support a whale charity:</li>
</ol>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Whale &amp; Dolphin Conservation <a href="http://au.whales.org/">au.whales.org/</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>Marine Conservation <a href="http://marineconservation.org.au/whaling/">marineconservation.org.au/whaling/</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>Sea Shepherd <a href="http://seashepherd.org.au/">seashepherd.org.au/</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>Humpback &amp; High Rises <a href="http://hhr.org.au/">hhr.org.au/</a></strong></p>
<h4><span style="color: #000000;"><a style="color: #000000;" href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/online-courses/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Resources &amp; Courses</a></span></h4>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/humpback-whale-teaching-resources/">Humpback Whale Teaching Resources</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
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