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Measure an orca!

 

Here's a fun orca activity you can do outside!

How big are orcas compared to where you live? How do they measure up when compared to other whales? Let's find out!

orange orca

STEP 1

Take the whale lengths below and measure them outside. Start with an orca at 24 ft. (7.3m) long.

Distance

STEP 2

Have someone stand on either end and see just how far apart you are!

chalk

STEP 3

Use sidewalk chalk to draw lines to mark the lengths of different kinds of whales so you can compare and show others!

For the full activity to print, you can download it here.

Harbor porpoise - 5 ft. (1.5m)
Bottlenose dolphin - 12 ft. (3.7m)
Orca - 24 ft. (7.3m)
Minke whale - 26 ft. (8m)
Sperm whale - 45 ft. (13.7m)
Humpback whale - 50 ft. (15.2m)
Fin whale - 70 ft. (21.3m)
Blue whale - 100 ft. (30.5m)

Did you know that whales play a vital role in our planet? Whales go to the bathroom at the ocean's surface where phytoplankton live. Phytoplankton are little plants that, when fertilized by whale poop, create oxygen! Since oceans make up around 71% of our Earth's surface, phytoplankton creates over half of the oxygen you breath! As you are out measuring whale lengths and getting fresh air, thank a whale for pooping!

We want to see the whales in your neighborhood!

Take a picture and tag us to join in!