Inside the Classroom
A Whale of a Lesson: Bringing the Ocean to the Classroom
When ZCS third graders study the sea, it is common to read about marine life, but this time, they experienced it firsthand. The Whalemobile made a splash across all six ZCS elementary schools, giving students an opportunity to explore a life-size whale and connect classroom learning to the wonder of the natural world.
Interview with Pleasant View Elementary School Educator Kaleigh Kanipe
Stepping Inside the Sea
Third Graders Dive into Learning inside the Whalemobile
For third graders across Zionsville Community Schools, the study of ocean life recently came to life in an unforgettable way when students had a chance to step inside a whale.
When third grade teacher Kaleigh Kanipe introduced the Whalemobile experience, she wanted her students to go beyond the pages of their Wit and Wisdom curriculum.
“It’s one thing to read about whales and know they’re 43 feet long,” she said. “But to see it in person really brought our learning to life.”
The idea began when ZCS Director of Academics Christine Squier shared a curriculum connection with the third grade team. Educators recognized right away that the hands-on, immersive experience would make a perfect extension of Module 1 in Wit and Wisdom, which focuses on sea creatures and their importance to humans.
“We don’t specifically study whales in the module,” she explained, “but this helped students see how scientists learn about ocean life and why these creatures need to be protected.”
As the enormous inflatable whale unraveled, there was instant excitement.
“When it began to unfold, there was this collective gasp,” she recalled. “The students had no idea how big it would be.” Once inside, their curiosity soared. “It’s one thing to ask what they wonder about whales in the classroom and get, ‘How big are they?’ or ‘What do they eat?’ But inside the whale, the questions came pouring out.”
The program, which reached all six elementary schools, took a great deal of coordination. Kaleigh worked with third grade teachers, building administrators, and PTOs across the district to make the visit possible.
“It was through that collaboration that we were able to bring the Whalemobile here,” she said. “Everyone agreed it would be a great and memorable experience for every third grader.”
Beyond the excitement, Kaleigh hopes students carry something deeper from the experience.
“Hands-on learning makes them more curious. They ask more questions, make more connections, and remember more because they’ve actually experienced it.”
And the excitement is already spreading. Parents of younger students have reached out, hoping the Whalemobile returns in future years.
“I’ve heard from families whose first graders are already looking forward to it,” Kaleigh said. “That’s when you know it made an impact.”
"Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel."
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