Teacher preparation:

Overarching learning goal: Students understand that whaling is an emotive and complex issue with historical and cultural precedents. They also recognise that there is no one size fits all solution for whaling and that negotiations around this topic are complicated.

Teacher content information: Different countries and organisations have different perspectives on whaling. Some are for and some are against whaling, and the reasons they are for and against whaling vary. This is why whaling is such a controversial issue around the world. However, without knowing different perspectives and the reasons behind those perspectives, we cannot judge what is right or what is wrong.

Teacher content information:

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Delegates at your conference should be seated in a circle so that all delegates can see other delegates when they speak. Arranging the room can be done by students once they have finished their research or can be done by the teacher while students complete the research component of this activity (Step 1).

Student and classroom organisation:

Step 1.

Divide the class into 5 groups. Each group will represent a different country or organisation that will attend your International Whaling Conference. The groups are:

Australia
Japan
Indigenous whalers
International Whaling Commission
WWF

Ask the groups to spend 15 minutes researching the group they are representing and familiarising themselves with the position for their assigned group by completing the Student Worksheet.

Step 2.

International Whaling Conference

Ask students to sit in a circle, ensuring that all members of each group are sitting together. Ask each group to identify themselves using the cards provided (or create your own).

Prior to beginning the conference, establish some ground rules with your students. For example:

Each student will have one minute maximum to speak. Speakers will be timed by the chairperson.
No one may interrupt a student who is speaking. If you wish to speak, raise your hand and your request will be noted by the chairperson. You will have then chance to speak in the order of hands raised.
Speakers will stick to the topic and particular question raised. At the end of the conference there will be time to make additional statements.
The conference will for 20 minutes.

As the teacher you can take on the role of chairperson of the conference, or alternatively you can nominate one or two students to chair the conference. The chairperson will be responsible for:

Making sure each group gets an equal opportunity to present their perspectives and that the negotiations flow smoothly and fairly;
Timing students;
Noting down the order of speakers;
Asking the questions/setting the topics.

Suggested topics/questions - In order to give some structure to the conference you may want to ask questions and give each group the opportunity to present their case or position. Consider the following questions:

What is your argument for supporting or opposing whaling?
Do you think that some groups should be entitled to undertake some whaling? Why or why not?
If whaling were to continue, under what conditions should it be permitted?
If whaling were to continue, who should be in charge of monitoring the whaling?
If whaling were to cease, what sorts of compensation should be awarded to those countries whose cultures depend upon whaling? How would this loss be repatriated?
If whaling were to continue, should there be a change in whaling practices? What would these be?

Finally, and before the conference is concluded, the groups have to come to an agreement about the future of whaling. What is the best outcome for all participants?

Assessment/Reflection

Ask students to complete the reflection questions on the Student Worksheet.

Homework/Extension

Ask students to investigate Australia's position on whaling:

What is our current position?
What has been our position historical position?

Earth Hour - A World Conference on Whaling

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