Dictionary Skills: Weddell seal
Learning Objective
We are learning how to use the first two or three letters of a word to check its meaning and spelling in a dictionary.
Context: Weddell seal
Credit: BBC One - Seven Worlds, One Planet
Clip Description
Weddell seals are found in the frozen stretches of the Antarctic where they remain for most of their lives. These marine mammals are perfectly designed for this freezing environment with a thick layer of blubber around them. Despite the extremely low temperatures, they can dive up to 2,000 feet in the icy water and stay there for up to 45 minutes hunting for prey. They use their teeth to make holes in the ice so that they can breathe air.
In this fascinating clip, we see the frozen terrain where the Weddell seals live and thrive. As the camera crew brave the extreme weather of the Antarctic, we learn that Weddell seal pups are really good at surviving the first few months of their lives. How do you think a mother will help her pups to get out of the water? Watch the clip to find out.
Discuss the meaning of each word highlighted in bold.
Word Challenge
Can you list some verbs to describe the actions of the Weddell seals as they move in and around the water?
e.g. dived, descended, plunged, …