Primary Schools
Introduction
Marine mammal science fits into the National Curriculum for Key Stage 1 and 2 in a variety of different areas and we have a series of sessions available, some suitable for whole school assembles and others single class. These talks have been carefully put together based on the new UK curriculum which is adapted for Manx schools.
As of 2023, MWDW sessions are available to all schools free of charge, thanks to generous funding from the Manx Lottery Trust and the Scheinberg family. Funding will be up for review in 2026. Please read the full page of sessions and scroll to the bottom of the page to book.Â
Marine Wildlife of the Isle of Man
An engaging look at whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and basking sharks and how to tell the species apart. Spot the difference by looking at head shape, fin shape, skin patterning and colour. Discover how dolphins and whales communicate, hunt and socialise. Measure out the different species using a 30-metre long tape. Learn tips on how to go out spotting for yourselves and good places to look.Â
- Reception-year 6
- 30mins-1 hour depending on age group
- Single class
- Entire year group
- Whole school assembly
- Inflatable ‘Perkyn the porpoise’ will join usÂ
- ‘Robbie the Risso’s dolphin’ (3.5 metres long) can join for KS2 if space allows, and for school assemblies.Â
The Isle of Man, oceans, marine life, food chains, habitats, anatomy
*New for 2025* Photographing Fins
Discover how marine mammal scientists use photos of dolphin and whale fins to find out about their lives and where they travel to.
A short PowerPoint presentation is followed by practical session.
As a group we look at photos of a real dolphin known to MWDW and examine the scars and cuts on either side of his fin, drawing these out on the whiteboard. We learn how the dolphins gain these scars through fighting and predation.
Each pupil is then given images of a dolphin’s fin and asked to draw out the markings on two pieces of paper, paying close attention to details and the large notches which you can see from either side of the fin. They then cut out both sides of the fin and glue together. These can be hung up in the classroom to make a display.
- Years 4, 5 and 6
- 1 hour
- Single classÂ
- Entire year group
- Inflatable ‘Perkyn the porpoise’ will join us
Animal movements, how scientists study wildlife, marine habitats, ecosystems, Isle of Man wildilfe, the importanceÂ
*New for 2025* Epic Whale migrations
Discover how mighty whales migrate across oceans to other continents and whyÂ
Starting with a short PowerPoint presentation, we learn about the epic migration routes of the great whales, from their cool feeding grounds to warm breeding grounds, from one continent to another. Next, we work together in their table groups to find migration routes using an Eco Kids World Map supplied by MWDW and drawing these out onto a worksheet. We then cut and stick a whale or a fish/krill at either side of the migration route.
- Years 5 and 6
- 1 hour
- Single classÂ
- Entire year group
- Inflatable ‘Perkyn the porpoise’ will join us
Migration routes, ocean currents, oceans, contintents, animal food sources, breeding grounds, temporal changes between latitudesÂ
Frozen Planet and Frozen Kingdom
Discover the marine wildlife of the Arctic and Antarctica and learn how they survive in such hostile environments. There are two sessions, aimed at different key stages.Â
Aimed at younger children as an introduction to wildlife of the polar regions. Session is presented in a story book style.
- Reception- year 3
- 30 minutes
- Single class
- Entire year group
- Inflatable ‘Perkyn the porpoise’ will join us
This session introduces older pupils to an array of polar marine species and how they have adapted to live in such a hostile environment. Covers food chains, adaptation, habitats and geography.Â
- Years 5-6
- Single class
- Entire year group
- Inflatable ‘Perkyn the porpoise’ will join us
Dolphin Habitats and Adaptations
This exciting session looks at different dolphin species around the globe and how they have adapted to live in different habitats. We look at methods of predation, migration and communication. Discover some really cool species found around the globe from the polar regions to the tropics.
- Years 5-6
- 1 hour
- Single class
- Entire year group
- Inflatable ‘Perkyn the porpoise’ will join us
Food chains, trophic levels, interdependence, adaptation, habitats, oceans, geography, continents.Â
Threats and Conservation Issues
Using props and a whiteboard, we brainstorm ways we can help keep the oceans clean and how every one of us can take small steps to make a difference. This session gets the pupils actively thinking about the world around them and the issues faced by marine animals, discussing ideas to create positive changes.
- Years 3-6
- 1 hour
- Single class only
- Can be run on its own or following any of the of the below sessions
- Inflatable ‘Perkyn the porpoise’ will join us Â
Climate and environmental issues, looking after our planet, taking responsibility for our actions, being kind to animals, preserving natureÂ
Marine Predators- not just sharks and killer whales!
An exciting look at marine predators of all shapes and sizes from around the globe, from octopuses to sea snakes, leopard seals to sailfish. We discuss how predators use mimicry, speed, agility and camouflage to fool their prey and prevent being predated on themselves.
- Years 3-6
- 1 hour
- Single classÂ
- Entire year group
- Inflatable ‘Perkyn the porpoise’ will join usÂ
Food chains, adaptations, predators, oceans, marine life
Bespoke sessions
We can occasionally create bespoke sessions on request if we believe it will be transferrable to other schools and year groups. If you have a particular request for a session to fit into your topic, then please contact us to discuss.