Parts of a Whale Worksheets
If you’ve got ocean fans in your home, this printable is going to be a fun addition to your day. The Parts of a Whale Worksheets were such a hit with my kids that we ended up reading about whales all afternoon. I always enjoy it when a simple activity opens the door to something new.
This activity pairs perfectly with my list of Whale Activities for Kids. There’s something about these gentle sea giants that captures kids’ attention. From crafts to science explorations, there’s a lot to try if you want to stick with the theme for a while.
If you’re looking for an easy, low-prep way to get into an ocean unit, keep reading. I’ll walk you through what’s included in the printable, how it helps build essential skills, and a few creative ideas to take the learning even further.
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Fascinating Whale Facts
Whales are mysterious and powerful creatures, and it’s fun to share interesting bits of knowledge while learning about them. Here are a few facts that made my kids stop and ask more questions:
- Some whales can hold their breath for over an hour. While we were coloring, this fact sparked a whole discussion about how whales breathe air but still live in the ocean. It’s wild to think about the pressure they experience at those depths.
- Whales have belly buttons. This one got giggles from my kids, but it’s a great reminder that whales are mammals. They’re born alive, just like us, and that led to a quick detour into how baby whales grow inside their moms.
- A whale’s heart can be as big as a small car. They couldn’t believe it until we looked up a picture. These creatures are massive in every sense, and comparing their size to real-world objects made it easier to visualize.
Recommended Whale Books
I always like to have a few themed books on hand when we’re exploring a new animal. Reading together helps reinforce what we’re learning in a relaxed way.
The Ultimate Book of Whales: Up-Close Encounters With Earth’s Mightiest Mammals (Ultimate Books)Whales: Amazing Pictures & Fun Facts on Animals in Nature (Our Amazing World Series Book)Great Migrations Whales (National Geographic Kids Readers, Level 3): As Seen on the National Geographic ChannelAll Things Whales For Kids: Filled With Plenty of Facts, Photos, and Fun to Learn all About WhalesWhales: Killer Whales, Blue Whales and More (Kids Can Press Wildlife Series)Whales: The Gentle Giants
Why do kids need to learn about whales?
Understanding the anatomy of a whale isn’t just another labeling task. It’s an important step in building a solid science foundation. Recognizing body structures and their functions lays the groundwork for learning about biology, animal classification, and ecosystems.
The main parts of a whale include the blowhole, dorsal fin, flippers, fluke, mouth, eye, dorsal ridge, and ventral pleats. Learning what these features are and how they help the whale survive helps kids connect structure with purpose, which is a vital part of any science curriculum.
- Builds vocabulary. Naming parts like blowhole and ventral pleats introduces kids to real scientific terms they’ll encounter again in future lessons.
- Sharpens observation. Focusing on individual features helps children notice how form relates to function, an essential science concept.
- Promotes deeper learning. Seeing how each part works together encourages kids to think critically and connect ideas across different species and habitats.
Ocean Printables I Recommend
If you’re putting together a complete ocean unit, I’ve got some great printable packs in my shop that can help round things out.
What skills will kids practice with these whale labeling worksheets?
There’s more to these worksheets than labeling and coloring. Here’s what your child will practice:
- Science comprehension. Understanding how a whale’s body functions deepens knowledge of marine life and ecosystems.
- Fine motor control. Between cutting, tracing, and writing, there’s plenty of pencil work involved.
- Reading and following directions. Many of the pages have simple instructions, perfect for working independently.
Whale Toys Worth Checking Out
Hands-on tools and toys can make ocean learning even more exciting.
Wooden Puzzles for Adults, Whale Unique Shaped Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle, Ocean Animals Wood Cut Puzzles, Birthday Holiday, 170 Pieces, 10.23Eugy Whale Shark 3D Puzzle, 22 Piece Eco-Friendly Educational Toy Puzzles for Boys, Girls & Kids Ages 6+Oink Games Whale to Look – Japanese Deduction Game | Ages 9+ | Investigate & Guess Whale LocationsFun Express Jonah & The Whale Paddle Ball Catch Games – Toys – 12 PiecesWild Republic Beluga Whale Plush Stuffed Animal, Plush Toy, Gifts for Kids, Cuddlekins, 15 InchesKAZI Whale Toys Building Set,Deep Sea Creatures,Ocean Animal Toy for Kids Ages 6 7 8 9 10 Plus,Blue Whale Sea Animal Building Kit for Boys Girls,Halloween Party Favors
Supplies You’ll Need for this Whale Activity
These are easy to prep and don’t require anything fancy. Here’s what we used:
- Printer (I have this one)
- Paper
- Pencil
- Crayons
- Scissors
- Glue
I have the HP printer 8710, but it’s not available anymore. It’s been running well for years now. Look for another HP Instant Ink-ready printer so that you can use their program to send you ink cartridges whenever your printer gets low on ink.
What’s Included in the Whale Worksheets?
Whale Parts Poster
This page is fully labeled and in color. It’s helpful as a reference or to hang nearby while completing the rest of the set.
Label the Parts (Color Version)
Your child will label the whale using a word bank and fill in the correct parts. It’s a colorful version that makes the activity more visually engaging.
Label the Parts (Black-and-White)
Same as the previous page, but in black and white. This is great if you’re saving ink or want your child to color it in afterward.
Cut and Paste Labeling
This version gives kids the option to cut out the terms and paste them in place. I liked how this added an extra layer of hands-on work.
Cut and Paste in Black and White
This is a black-and-white version of the previous page. Having a print-friendly version is useful and keeps the activity hands-on.
Fun Whale Activities to Try
If you want to keep going with the whale theme, here are a few more activities to check out:
- Whale Worksheets for Kids
- Whale Activity Sheets
- Whale Paper Plate Craft
- Whale Crafts for Elementary Students
- Killer Whale Headband Craft by Simple Everyday Mom
- Jonah and the Whale Preschool Printables by Homeschool Preschool
Letting your science lessons follow a fun theme like this helps keep the energy up, especially during tougher weeks. My kids always remember these animal units, and it’s so rewarding to hear them explain what they learned later.