Instructions
Welcome, River Warrior! Follow these steps to complete your mission and show what you learned during the Dolphin Watch excursion.
- Read each section carefully. If you aren't sure of a word, ask a teacher or parent for help.
- Observe the details in the charts—scientists must be very specific!
- Reflect on how humans can protect the river habitat.
- Complete the "Challenge Quest" at the end if you want to earn extra River Warrior points.
Section 1: Spotting the Signs
Researchers identify dolphins by looking at their behaviors. Match the Dolphin Action on the left to what it means on the right by drawing a line.
| Dolphin Action | What it Means |
|---|---|
| Breaching | The dolphin is searching for fish to eat. |
| Foraging | The dolphin leaps completely out of the water. |
| Tail Slapping | A mother dolphin keeps her calf very close to her side. |
| Socialising | The dolphin hits the surface of the water with its tail to signal others. |
| Mothers & Calves | Dolphins are playing, rubbing, or chasing each other. |
Section 2: The Fin Finder
Scientists identify individual dolphins by the nicks, scars, and shapes of their dorsal fins (the fin on their back). This is called "Citizen Science."
Fill in the log below for the dolphins you "observed" or learned about today.
| Dolphin Name | Fin Shape (Curved, Pointy, or Blocky) | Marks (Nicks, Scars, or Smooth) |
|---|---|---|
| Example: Splash | Curved | Two small nicks near the top |
Section 3: Protecting the River
Dolphins face many challenges in the Swan and Canning Rivers. Circle the SAFE actions and put an X through the DANGEROUS actions.
- Picking up discarded fishing line from the riverbank.
- Driving a motorboat very fast near a dolphin pod.
- Feeding dolphins leftover bait from your fishing trip.
- Keeping a distance of at least 30 meters when watching from a boat.
- Throwing plastic sandwich bags into the water.
- Reporting a sick or tangled dolphin to the Wildcare Helpline.
Section 4: River Warrior Reflection
Imagine you are a reporter for the "River News." Write two sentences explaining why it is important to keep the river clean for the dolphins.
Sentence 1: __
Sentence 2: __
Section 5: Challenge Quest (Optional)
In the box below, design a "Dolphin-Friendly Fishing Sign" to be placed at a local jetty. Use words to explain one rule fishermen should follow to keep dolphins safe.
Answer Key
Section 1: Matching
- Breaching -> Leaps completely out of water.
- Foraging -> Searching for fish to eat.
- Tail Slapping -> Hits surface with tail to signal others.
- Socialising -> Playing, rubbing, or chasing.
- Mothers & Calves -> Mother keeps calf close to her side.
Section 2: The Fin Finder (Answers vary based on students' observations or the specific dolphins discussed in the excursion, such as 'Highnitch' or 'Bottomslice')
Section 3: Protecting the River
- SAFE (Circle): Picking up fishing line, Keeping 30m distance, Reporting to Wildcare Helpline.
- DANGEROUS (X): Driving fast near pods, Feeding dolphins, Throwing plastic bags in water.
Section 4: Reflection (Answers should focus on habitat health, preventing entanglement, or ensuring dolphins have enough clean food to eat.)