Virtual Program
The Ocean Matters—Wherever You Live
Students don’t have to live near the coast to depend on the ocean. It shapes our weather, supports the air we breathe, and connects communities around the world. Our virtual programs bring the ocean into the classroom, helping students understand how it affects their everyday lives—and why their choices matter, even when the nearest ocean is hundreds of miles away.
Request a DateA Live Conversation with a Whale Naturalist
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Step One
Prepare with a Preview
Before the live program, students watch an age-appropriate introduction to whales and ocean science. Teachers receive the video ahead of time and can show it whenever it fits best into their classroom schedule.
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Step Two
Gather and Get Talking
For the live program, students gather together—ideally on the carpet with the microphone on—so they can see, hear, respond, and ask questions. This isn’t a recorded presentation. It’s an active conversation shaped by the students’ ideas and curiosity.
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Step Three
Watch Nile Come to Life
Students watch as Nile, our life-sized inflatable humpback whale, inflates before their eyes. Using Nile, real whale artifacts, and stories from the field, we explore whale anatomy, adaptations, and life in the ocean.
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Step Four
Explore Grade-Level Science
During the 45- to 60-minute program, students investigate science content selected for their age and curriculum. Through questions, demonstrations, and discussion, they connect what they are learning in the classroom to whales and the ocean—and have plenty of opportunities to ask their own questions along the way.
Virtual programs are designed for one class at a time. Keeping the group small makes the experience more personal and gives students more opportunities to respond, ask questions, and have a real conversation with the naturalist.
We usually use Zoom, but we’re happy to join your school through Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, or another platform your district prefers. You’ll need a screen or projector, speakers, and a working microphone. A camera is helpful so the naturalist can see and respond to the students.
The live program lasts approximately 45 minutes to one hour, depending on the students’ age, the lesson selected, and the number of questions they have.
Absolutely! Questions are an important part of the program. We encourage students to sit together near the screen with the microphone on so they can respond throughout the lesson and ask questions as they arise.
Built Around Your Students
Every class is different. We select the science content based on your students’ age, grade level, and what they are learning in school.
Your virtual program might explore whale anatomy, survival, adaptations, or ocean ecosystems. Each lesson uses Nile, real whale artifacts, demonstrations, and discussion to make the science understandable and relevant to your students.
Bring The Whalemobile to Your Classroom — Virtually
Through Their Eyes: Photos & Feedback
Our Programs
Whale Programs That Bring Learning to Life
Immersive experiences that spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and connect students with whales and the ocean.
School Programs
Curriculum-connected programs that bring science to life through whales, ocean ecosystems, and real-world discovery.
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Library Programs
An immersive whale adventure that gets children and families exploring, discovering, and learning together.
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Virtual Programs
Live virtual programs that connect students with whales and the ocean—wherever they live.
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4th Grade Form & Functions
Through four interactive stations, students discover how whales’ internal and external structures help them survive in their ocean environment.
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Retirement Communities
Explore whales through stories, science, and real artifacts in an engaging, interactive experience.
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Summer Library Tour
Our warm-weather stop brings the Whalemobile straight to your library's summer reading program, giving kids a hands-on marine science break between story hours and craft tables. It's a lively, drop-in-friendly way to keep the whole family curious about the ocean all season long.
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