Contests
The
Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and NOAA offer a variety
of opportunities for student participation. These contests may
be organized solely by the sanctuary, by NOAA, or in cooperation
with partnering organizations.
Name
the Humpback Whale
Open to Students in Grades K-12
Thalassa's 2003 calf -- "Yosemite"
The Ecology Club from Falmouth High School in Falmouth, Massachusetts, entered the winning name in the Humpback Whale Naming Contest this year. The name "Yosemite" was suggested by the two Y-shaped marks (one on each fluke) and the dark marking at the trailing edge of the flukes that gives the impression of a forest along a mountaintop.
Students in the club all received humpback whale posters from the sanctuary for their winning entry. In addition to Yosemite, some 70 other whales received names at the annual Gulf of Whale Humpback Whale Naming Workshop. Researchers use common names for whales to make communication about individual whales simpler and to provide "clues" for identification of whales (both in the field and from photos in the lab). Whale names are based primarily on the markings (scars and natural pigmentation) on the undersides of the flukes or for the shape of the trailing edge of the tail.
Thalassa is a female whale who has repeatedly visited Stellwagen Bank -- it is hoped that her calf will follow that tradition.
Click here for more information about this past year's whale naming contest. The sanctuary intends to run another contest this coming winter with another new sanctuary whale.
Marine Art Contest
Open to Students in Grades K-12
Divisions: K-4, 5-8, 9-12, computer graphics/graphic design, scientific
illustration
(2005/2006 Winners will be posted by July 21)
The Massachusetts Marine Educators, the sanctuary, and the New England Aquarium sponsor an annual Marine Art Contest for grades K-12. Students are invited to submit artwork that illustrates the selected sanctuary theme. All media are allowed; please refrain from sending collages with sand or other fine attachments. Each year a winner, second place and third place will be selected in each division. Contest prizes include passes to the New England Aquarium, the Provincetown Museum, posters, and other items. Click
here for a pdf flyer about the 2005/2006 contest.
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