Valley of the Whales
The Valley of the Whales in North Otago tells the story of the evolution of whales in the Southern Ocean. In the foothills of the valley, thousands of hectares of limestone contain an impressive number of marine fossils formed over millions of years.
About this resource
Series: School Journal Level 4 June 2023
Reading year level: 6
Topics: Antarctic Circumpolar Current, baleen, dolphins, Duntroon, evolution, fossils, history, krill, limestone, Maerewhenua River, Otago, palaeontology, penguins, plankton, quarry, scientists, Southern Ocean, species, whales
Valley of the Whales
Words by Bill Morris
The Valley of the Whales in North Otago tells the story of the evolution of whales in the Southern Ocean. In the foothills of the valley, thousands of hectares of limestone contain an impressive number of marine fossils formed over millions of years.
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School Journal Level 4 June 2023
Inside this school journal are three stories (Pākehā Tapu Day; Paper Tiger; The Stunt Man and the Geologist), one poem (Tokotoko), one student writing (Keith), one essay (Beyond Imagination), and two articles (Valley of the Whales; Silk Robes and Big Hats).
1 of 8Silk Robes and Big Hats
This article explores the work of multi-disciplinary artist Sam Duckor-Jones. “Sam’s work asks us to imagine a pinker, joyful, more inclusive world – one where we’re all free to put on silk robes and big hats and be absolutely, unapologetically ourselves.”
2 of 8Pākehā Tapu Day
This historical story is based on a true story. In 1828, English artist Augustus Earle was living in Kororāreka under the protection of the rangatira Uruti Te Whareumu, who was also known as King George. Te Whareumu had good relationships with European traders and missionaries and welcomed all Pākeh...
3 of 8Paper Tiger
When Claire visits her mother’s family in China, tensions rise between her mum and her grandmother and aunties when she finds a present the sisters received when they were children.
4 of 8The Stunt Man and the Geologist
Joseph goes along with his brother Toby’s stories and bullying of the other boys at the campground. “I knew he was exaggerating, but if I agreed, it made me the second coolest kid there.” When a new boy arrives with his family, Joseph has to decide whether to spend time with him or Toby’s gang.
5 of 8Tokotoko
This poem uses tokotoko to express ideas of whakapapa, tūpuna, family history, and belonging.
6 of 8Keith
A student describes the life of her determined and tenacious great-grandfather, who lost his arm in an accident and was an amateur photographer, a builder, a passionate whitebaiter, and a poet.
7 of 8Beyond Imagination
The author recounts her visits to Antarctica. “I learnt that far from being separate and never-changing, Antarctica connects us. It drives global weather patterns and ocean currents, and in a warming world, it’s changing faster than most places on Earth.”
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