3.3.4 Rescuing Stranded Whales SUMMARY This book introduces the basic concepts surrounding beached, or stranded, whales. Steps of a rescue are described, including how whales are returned to the sea. LESSON VOCABULARY anxiously channel supplies bay chip surrounded blizzard melody symphony GENERALIZE ANSWER QUESTIONS READ THE BOOK SET PURPOSE Most students will be interested in reading this book so that they can learn why whales beach and how to help a beached whale. students the title and the author of Rescuing Stranded Whales. Ask students what they know about whales or any animals in trouble. STRATEGY SUPPORT: ANSWER QUESTIONS Ask students to see what questions the author raises and how further reading helps you answer them. After reading, encourage students to think about what they read and to go back to the text for answers. As they begin to formulate a generalization, these questions and answers will help them assess the importance of what they read. BUILD BACKGROUND Most students have not COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS INTRODUCE THE BOOK INTRODUCE THE TITLE AND AUTHOR Discuss with seen a beached whale, but many know about this situation from films or television. Tell students that they will read about keeping a whale alive during its rescue. As they read, suggest that students watch for the first actions of a rescue and determine why they are important to the whale’s safety. PAGE 4 Why is it important to immediately cool a beached whale? (Its body temperature can become very high.) PAGE 7 Why don’t scientists know what causes a whale to strand? (Many possible causes make it difficult to pin down one.) PREVIEW/USE TEXT FEATURES Tell students to look at the photographs, map, and journal time line. Ask: What do you notice in the photographs about the people watching the rescue? Draw attention to the journal time line on pages 10–11, and ask students to predict why a whale rescue follows a schedule. PAGES 8–11 What happened when three Invite students