Measurement (mass & weight): Harp Seal
Challenge level ⭐
(designed for children with prior knowledge of the Year 3 programme of study)
Learning Objective
We are learning how to solve a natural world problem by using and applying our knowledge and skills of measurement, weight and mass.
Useful prior knowledge:
- I know that weight and mass can be measured in kilograms (kg) and grams (g)
- I can make 1-digit and 2-digit numbers 10 times greater.
Credit: BBC One - Frozen Planet II
Clip Description
Polar animals are animals that live in the polar regions of Antarctica and the Arctic. These fascinating animals have special adaptations (features) that enable them to survive in these frozen regions. Having thick fur and many layers of fat (blubber) can help a polar mammal, like a harp seal or polar bear, to keep a warm body temperature.
In this fascinating clip, a harp seal pup and its mother can be seen swimming in the icy Arctic ocean. Still to develop the neccessary layers of fat, the pup can’t stay in the freezing water for too long as it could get hypothermia. How do you think it will warm its body up? Watch the clip to find out.
Quick Whiteboard Challenge
In the clip, we learnt that a harp seal pup increases its body mass by 2 kg each day.
(Teacher note: Children to carefully pass a kilogram weight around the class.)
Can you write down the names of three things in the classroom that have a total weight of around 2kg?