Animal Behavior - Georgia Aquarium
Animal Behavior - Georgia Aquarium
Animal Behavior - Georgia Aquarium
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5. Ask the students why they need to keep their eyes closed. Explain that their<br />
answers could have been influenced by the other students in the class.<br />
6. Introduce the word bias and discuss how it can complicate scientific study.<br />
7. Finally, ask your students to define the words fact and opinion. Is the statement<br />
“Beluga whales are intelligent” fact or opinion? The exercise part two will help you<br />
find out.<br />
Part 2<br />
1. From the resources listed, pick two that provide a good overview of beluga<br />
intelligence, one based on scientific study and one sharing more opinions. Make<br />
copies of the excerpts if needed.<br />
2. Divide your class into groups of three or four and give each group the two assigned<br />
readings. Instruct them to answer the following for each source:<br />
a. Does the source list references of scientific studies, popular media or nothing<br />
at all?<br />
b. Is the source tied to valid research institution including colleges, universities,<br />
professional organizations, etc?<br />
c. Does the source include information that appears to be biased?<br />
d. Does the source include information that is anthropomorphic?<br />
e. Write down three statements from the readings that you feel are opinions.<br />
f. Write down three statements from the reading that you feel are scientific<br />
facts. Can you find two additional sources for each fact that give scientific<br />
references?<br />
3. Once the assignment is complete, ask the students to share their answers and<br />
discuss the results. Ask them again if the statement “Beluga whale are intelligent” is a<br />
scientific fact. Hopefully, fewer will raise their hands. Why is it difficult to say the<br />
statement is scientific fact? Discuss the background information. Discuss other<br />
possible ways to test animal intelligence.<br />
Assessment:<br />
Ask the each student to write down three common beliefs about an animal that could<br />
be fact. Ask them to poll at least 10 people on their thoughts on whether or not the<br />
common beliefs are a fact or not and write down the results of the poll. Afterward<br />
have the student research each common belief and write down at least three valid<br />
sources for each that verify whether it is actually based on facts or opinions.<br />
Resources:<br />
Books<br />
Encyclopedia of Marine Mammals by William Perrin, Bernd Wursig, and J.G.M.<br />
Thewissen. (all facts based on scientific research)<br />
Masters of the Ocean Realm; Whales, Dolphins, & Porposies by John heyning. p. 41.<br />
(mostly facts based on scientific research with some opinions shared)<br />
The <strong>Georgia</strong> <strong>Aquarium</strong> ~ Education Department 4