Compiled by
Connie Wininger, Teacher
Because of their apparent intelligence and graceful moves dolphins are fascinating to man. With their familiar toothy grin and long snout, we often in vision the bottlenose dolphins when thinking of dolphins. However, the bottlenose dolphin is only one of many species of dolphins. This Mediagraphy is a collection of video, DVD, audio, electronic and print sources which explore the behavior and life on these aquatic animals. This selection contains examples of dolphins in both their natural habitat and in captivity. Websites are included which contain links to current information on research and sitings of dolphins.
The purpose of this collection is to provide quality resources for an interdisciplinary unit for middle school art and science classes. The primary audience for this collection will be seventh and eight grade students, but materials could be used with older students. Science classes will be using the materials to study the anatomy and behavior of dolphins while art classes will be more concerned with the appearance and movement of the dolphins. Students will be required to research and write about dolphins along with constructing models and drawings of dolphins.
The use of video/audio and interactive materials will allow the students to experience the movement, behavior, and sounds of dolphins. Print material alone cannot give students a complete understanding of dolphins. Experiencing actual interaction between dolphins themselves and dolphins and man caught on film will increase students understanding and interest of these aquatic animals.
Websites were selected on the basis of quality and accuracy of information, accessibility, digital quality, and the reputability of the sources. Teachers can use these sites for student research projects and WebQuests. These websites offer students a wider range of information than print sources. Some of the sites allow students to experience dolphins in motion and hear them as they communicate.
Materials were selected on their appropriateness to the study of dolphin behavior and anatomy. Only material appropriate for grade level 5 and above was considered. The quality of photography and audio were of important considerations. Currency of the materials was also a primary concern. When possible DVDs were selected over videos because of the special features included.
Video/DVD 
Audio
Websites 
Books
Video/DVD
Dolphins
89 min. IMAX. Cahill, Tim and MacGillivray, Greg. (VHS/DVD) 2000. Narrated by Pierce Brosnan. Original lyrics and music by Sting. ASIN:B00005BIG1 $19.95 at libraryvideo.com
This video was originally produced for the large screens of IMAX. This short documentary by Greg MacGillivray was nominated for an Oscar. It includes original music by Sting and is narrated by Pierce Brosnan. It focuses on the research work of Kathleen Dudzinski and Dean Bernal into dolphin communication. DVD and VHS both include a bonus feature making of Dolphins. Outstanding photography and exciting music make this a must have. (Grades 6 to Adults)
Awards: Best Documentary Short Academy Award 2000
Website: http://www.dolphinsfilm.com/ Great companion to this film. It offers additional information on scientists featured and a special section for teachers.
Reviews: All-Movie Guide http://www.allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll?p=avg&sql=A211781
National Geographic http://search.epnet.com/direct.asp?an=2734413&db=afh
Dolphins
25 min. Directed by Roger Riger. (VHS) 1988.
This video includes amazing visuals of dolphins as they swim in the wild. It captures dolphins performing amazing acrobatics. The soundtrack consists of New Age music. This video does not contain any narration only music and the sound of the dolphins. I recommend it for art classes who wish to get a feel for the movement of dolphins.
Reviews: All-Movie Guide http://www.allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll?p=avg&sql=A14245
Dolphins and Orcas
30 min. Directed, photographed and produced by Bob Talbot. Talbot production. (VHS) 1992. ISBN: 1882501004 ASIN: 6303063888. $24.99-amazon.com
Filmed in their natural habitat, dolphins and orcas are captured doing acrobatics. Underwater footage captures human and dolphins interacting. All animals in this film were wild. It includes a beautiful mix of music composed by Chip Davis and performed by Mannheim Steamroller. This video is included because of it’s usage of wild dolphins.
Dolphins: The Wild Side
60 min. National Geographic. Narrated by Stacy Keach. (VHS) 1999. available at libraryvideo.com. $19.98
This video shows the darker sides of dolphin and whale behavior. This is part of a multi-volume series by National Graphic. Paul Atkins and Grace Niska Atkins compiled this complete picture of dolphins over a two-year period. According to John Schietinger , All Movie Guide, “The Wild Side illustrates, through a number of real-life examples, the violence and anger these sea creatures express in fighting for mates, hunting for food, and battling with rival dolphin species.” Editor’s choice from Video Librarian. (Grade 8-adult)
Reviews: Video Librarian (Jul/Aug 99)
All-Movie Guide http://www.allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll?p=avg&sql=A200538
If Dolphins Could Talk
60 min. Audubon Video. Narrated by Michael Douglas. (VHS) 1990. $14.95- libraryvideo.com
This highly recommended video includes underwater photography. It focuses on the massacre of dolphins by fishermen. It presents information about the dolphins’ life and lifestyle. This video includes graphic scenes of fishermen killing dolphins. This film offers the social studies and science teacher an opportunity to explore ecological issues with students. (Grades 7 to adults)
Reviews: Video Librarian http://www.videolibrarian.com/
In the Wild: Dolphins with Robin Williams.
56 min. PBS Home Video. (VHS) 1995. $19.95 available at libraryvideo.com.
This
video was highly recommended by Video Librarian. Robin Williams travels to Hawaii and the Bahamas to learn about dolphins.
He talks with experts in dolphin research to learn about how to communicate
with dolphins in captivity. According
to PBS, “ This
entertaining and touching program reveals Robin Williams as the hilarious
performer we know, and as a curious, sensitive investigator.” Program was a
part of a PBS series “In the Wild”. (Grade 5 to adult)
Review All-Movie Guide http://www.allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll?p=avg&sql=A199550
Nova: Private Lives of Dolphins
60 min.; Davis, Mark J. (VHS/DVD). Nova, 2000. $19.98 available at Barnes & Noble.
This
video is from an original documentary produced for Nova. It follows scientists
in Florida and Australia as they exam dolphins in the sea. It explores the
interaction between dolphins. Because it deals with dolphins in the wild this
would be an excellent resource. Footage of scientist at work would make this a
useful tool for career education. (Grade 7-adult)
Reviews: All-Movie Guide http://www.allmovie.com/cg/avg.dll?p=avg&sql=A188142
The Ultimate Guide: Dolphins
52 min. (VHS/DVD) Discovery Channel, 1997.
This
video is a part of an award-winning series from the Discovery Channel. It includes stories and folklore on
dolphins. 3-d animation and computer graphics are used.
The use of animation and computer graphics make
this a must see for students. Since art classes will be exploring folklore this
is an excellent source for this unit.
Reviews: All Movie Guide http://www.allmovie.com
Wet and Wild: Under the Sea with OWL TV
30 min. The Children’s Group, Inc. (VHS) ,1994. $19.95.
Marketed by The Children’s Group, Inc.
561 Beour Streeet West, Suite 300
Tronoto, Ontario M55 1YG
Recommended by the National Education Association this video includes footage of two teenagers swimming with dolphins at a research center in Florida. It includes information on caring for dolphins and shows a blood sample being taken. In addition to live footage, the video includes animated segments. Includes close-ups of dolphins and sharks along with segments on sea otters. I highly recommended this video because it presents information in an entertaining way. The use of teenage narrators will capture the interest of the middle school age student. The animated clips keep the video moving and adds humor to the subject matter. Close-ups of dolphins bring the viewer closer to the action. (Grades 5- adult)
Awards: Action for Children’s Television Award
National Educational Film and Video Festival Gold Award
Parent’s Choice Gold Award for Television
Audio
The Blue
Planet-Sea of Life
2000 Fenton, George. (CD) $17.98 at available barnesandnoble.com
This soundtrack is from the BBC television series Blue Planet –Seas of Life. The music captures the beauty and mystery of the ocean and it’s creatures. This CD would help set the mood while studying dolphins and would tie in to art standards linking music and art.
Reviews: http://music.barnesandnoble.com/search/product.asp?userid=2X5KEVFPTS&ean=99923840824
All Music Guide http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&uid=10:44:20|PM&sql=Aybd7yl53xp9b
Dolphins
ARK 21.UPC61868100578. (CD) $17.98 available at barnesandnoble.com
This is the soundtrack to the IMAX film Dolphins that includes music by Sting, John Berry, and Steve Wood. It includes “I Need You Like This Hole in My Head,” a new song by Sting. This is an excellent companion to the film and will entertain students.
Reviews: http://music.barnesandnoble.com/search/product.asp?userid=1SZLXRFJM4&ean=618681005728
All Music Guide http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&uid=10:40:21|PM&sql=A5k87gjvr26ia
Websites
This site contains complete information on dolphins. It includes links to video, a place to ask questions, section for sharing stories about experiences with dolphins, and numerous links to websites around the world. There are links to interactive sites on whales and dolphins along with digital images.
Review: I found this site to be very knowledgeable. It was easy to navigate and included many links to digital images of dolphins. I enjoyed the section on sharing stories. It included numerous accounts of personal experiences with dolphins from around the world. This site also included a complete and exceptional guide to additional sites on dolphins.
This site is included because of its complete list of links to dolphin websites. Although it is a commercial site for Sea World is includes additional information on the study and research of dolphins.
http://www.dolphinresearch.org
This is an interactive educational website that focuses on whales and dolphins. It is dedicated to research, education, and conservation of whales and dolphins. It includes links to research centers around the world devoted to the study of whales and dolphins. Site is updated and includes current news about dolphins and whales.
This site bills itself as a virtual animal encyclopedia. Students will find this a fun and useful site that includes video and audio clips of a wide range of animals including dolphins. It also includes links to other sites.
This site includes QuickTime videos of whales, dolphins, and sharks. Download videos to experience short actions clips on top and underwater. I highly recommended this site for the classroom teacher who wants her students to experience dolphins in movement and their natural habitats. You many purchase full clips from this site. Registration is necessary for full use.
http://www.swimdolphins.com/video/video.asp?video=dolphin.mpg
This is a commercial site that shows a short video on swimming with dolphins. It includes a few close-ups of dolphins in their natural habitats.
Books
Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises
Carwardine, Mark, editor. Illustrated by Martin Camm. $16.10. 256 page available amazon.com
Reading level for this guide is ages 9-12. According to Wildlife Activist, “ This book should be in every biology classroom and on the bookshelf of everyone who has an interest in whales and their conservation.” This book is highly illustrated and contains descriptions of 79 species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises. It is based on observations by the author and the illustrator. This will be an invaluable guide for the study of habitat, diet, behavior and conservation. This book is part of an Eyewitness Handbook series.
Reviews: Booklist, Book News, and Wildlife Activist http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/store…/104-0046376-048631
Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises
Owen, Welden. Checkmark Books. 2nd edition, 1999. ISBN: 0816039917 $30.00 available at amazon.com
According to Booklist,” In this guide to whales, dolphins,
and porpoises, arranged by family orders, Carwardine explains that new species
of these elusive creatures are still being discovered. The book's description
of 79 species is based upon the author's and illustrator's own observations and
the works of many other specialists.”
Masters of the Ocean
realm: Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises
Heyning, John E. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, 1995. ISBN:0295974877 110 pages $17.95
This book was published in conjunction with a traveling exhibit of the same name. According to Book News it includes, “abundant color photos …information-packed text covering the biology and evolution of whales, dolphins, and porpoises.”
Review: Book News, Inc. http://www.amazon.com/…/1104-0046376-0486316?v=glance&s=book
Dolphin Chronicles
Howard, Carol J. New York: Bantam Books: 1996. IBSN:0-553-38888-7 $12.70
Library Journal says, “This is an engaging account of the author’s two-year dolphin research dissertation project at the University of California, Santa Cruz.” The book includes accounts of the bottle-nosed dolphins sounds, movement patterns, social interaction and training. Howard recounts the mammals’ reintroduction into the wild. (Reading level YA)
Review: Library Journal http://www.flr.follett.com/
Meeting Dolphins: My Adentures in the Sea
Dudzinski, Kathleen. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic Society, 2000. $15.26 available at http://www.flr.follett.com/
School Library Journal describes this book as “An eye-catching, informative chronicle by a marine biologist whose specialty is studying dolphins in their natural environment-the open ocean. It includes many full-color photos. It includes still shots from the IMAX film in which Kathleen Dudzinski is featured. It also includes a list of organizations involved with the study and preservation of dolphins. Dudzinski experiences with scientific research will inspire young readers while educating them on dolphins. (Grades 3-6 )
Reviews: Booklist http://search.epnet.com/direct.asp?an=3830404&db=afh
School Library Journal http://search.epnet.com/direct.asp?an=3300264&db=afh http://www.flr.follett.com/
Classroom Activities
The activities below are suggested curriculum tie-ins for this mediagraphy. Most if not all will support national and state standards.
Science
q
Study the communication skills of dolphins
q
Do a research project on the ecological hazards to
dolphins-have students contact some of the links on the websites
q
Have students make models of the anatomy of dolphins
using clay or papier-mâché
Language Arts
q Have students write a folk story about dolphins.
q Have students write a poem or story that describes the dolphins’ movements or communication.
Art
q Have students do a watercolor painting of a dolphin in its natural habitat.
q Students could work with Language Art class and illustrate the poems and stories they wrote.
q Students could do a scientific drawing of a dolphin. You could team up with Science and Language Arts. Science could look up technical data; Language Arts could write paragraphs using the data and Art could illustrate the writings. You could put together a book on all the different species of dolphins.
q Students could make a 3-dimensional dolphin from papier-mâché or clay.
q Students could find artworks that contain dolphins and whales. They could then do their own artwork of a dolphin or whale. Collages would work well for this assignment.
Appendix
Marc Record Dolphins and
Orcas
|
LC Control Number: |
93507781 |
|
000 |
01825ngm 22003495a 450 |
|
001 |
11619356 |
|
005 |
00000000000000.0 |
|
008 |
930610s1992 xxu030 vleng |
|
035 |
__ |9 (DLC) 93507781 |
|
906 |
__ |a 0 |b ibc
|c orignew |d u |e ncip |f
19 |g y-movingim |
|
010 |
__ |a 93507781 |
|
007 |
v| |||||| |
|
017 |
__ |a PA597-916 |b U.S.
Copyright Office |
|
040 |
__ |a DLC |c DLC
|e amim |
|
050 |
00 |a VAC 5577 (viewing copy) |
|
245 |
00 |a Dolphins & orcas / |c a
Talbot production ; directed and produced by Bob Talbot. |
|
260 |
__ |a United States : |b [s.n.],
|c 1992. |
|
300 |
__ |a 1 videocassette of 1 (VHS) (ca. 30
min.) : |b sd., col. ; |c 1/2 in. viewing
copy. |
|
500 |
__ |a Copyright: Bob Talbot. NM:
additional footage. DCR 1992; PUB 1Oct92; REG 3Nov92; PA597-916. |
|
500 |
__ |a Title on cassette box: Talbot,
dolphins and orcas. |
|
500 |
__ |a Application title: Talbot--the
video dolphins and orcas. |
|
508 |
__ |a Music by: Chip Davis, Ray Lynch. |
|
520 |
__ |a Wild dolphins and orcas are filmed
in their natural habitat. Cinematography captures the beauty and acrobatics
of dolphins. Pilot whales are seen in a rare encounter bringing their own
grace and beauty. A group of dolphins exhibit their acceptance of humans in
an underwater realm. Orcas, the largest members of the dolphin family, reveal
their power and grace. |
|
500 |
__ |a Summary from cassette box. |
|
500 |
__ |a Sources used: copyright data sheet,
copyright data base and cassette box. |
|
541 |
__ |d Received: 2-17-93; |3 viewing
copy; |c copyright deposit--no agreement; |a Copyright
Collection. |
|
710 |
2_ |a Copyright Collection (Library of
Congress) |5 DLC |
|
740 |
0_ |a Dolphins and orcas. |
|
740 |
0_ |a Talbot, dolphins and orcas. |
|
740 |
0_ |a Talbot--the video dolphins and
orcas. |
|
953 |
__ |a TE01 |
|
991 |
__ |b c-MP&TV |h VAC
5577 (viewing copy) |w MUMS VM File |
|
|
|
Author Information
I am currently teaching 7th grade Visual Art. I have been a teacher for the past 21 years 18 of which were teaching high school art. I hold a bachelor degree from Franklin College, Franklin, Indiana in Fine Arts and a Master’s degree from Herron School of Art, IU, Indianapolis, Indiana. I am currently working on a Master’s program in Library Science from Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana. I am interested in promoting the use of quality video and electronic media to enhance classroom curriculums.
Connie Wininger, Teacher
Perry Meridian Middle School
202 W. Meridian School Rd.
Indianapolis, IN 46217
Email cswininger@msdpt.K12.in.us
Phone- 317-789-4100
Created March 31,2003
CLASS REVIEWS
Subj: Re: L552 Mediagraphy
Date: 3/23/03 5:54:33 PM US Eastern Standard Time
From: Librarydoug2
To: Connie 865
Connie,
Excellent, excellent, excellent!
First of all, your page looks great and is very user friendly. It is well organized and easy to read and follow. Your descriptions and summaries are well written and to the point. Linking to the reviews was a great idea. You include and excellent mixture of different formats.
Your classroom activities are good too. I like that you included several different content areas and mention that they support state standards. The collaboration between the different subjects is great too. It is a great idea of having the language arts classes write the stories, and have the students illustrate them in art class.
Over all, a great mediagraphy!!!!!!!
Doug Peachey
Subj: RE: L552 Mediagraphy
Date: 3/23/03 12:40:28 PM US Eastern Standard Time
From: swjohnson@msdpt.k12.in.us (Johnson, Steven W.)
To: Connie865@aol.com ('Connie865@aol.com')
Connie
Your website looks good. I think it targeted to the correct audience and
give good resources.
I wish I could have been as specific on my topic.
Steve