Brenda Ballachey, is a wildlife scientist working in Alaska.Students observe and analyze marine mammal behaviors such as swimming, somersaulting, diving, rolling, feeding, grooming, and resting. Participants create a kelp forest and learn about the animals that live among the kelp. They then draw the animals and create a kelp forest community. Students study a map of the Gulf of Alaska and track the movement of the Exxon Valdez oil spill and conduct oil investigations. The opportunity for students to investigate how much and what kinds of food sea otter pups eat during their first year of life,and use a handmade "antenna" to listen for clicking sounds and try to determine where a "sea otter" is located inthe classroom.

Instructional Materials: Each kit includes a video, CD-ROM, activity book and non-consumbale items needed to do the activities.

Cost: ON A LOAN BASIS. Replacement cost is $59.00.

State Goals and Learning Standards: 1A C; 3A C; 4A B; 5C; 10A; 11A; 12A B; 13A B