Animal Behavior - Georgia Aquarium

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