12 of 14 results for "whale sharks"
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Country Fact File: Mexico

What country is home to ancient pyramids, colorful monarch butterflies, towering volcanoes, and one of the world’s most famous celebrations? Meet Mexico, a country where ancient civilizations, diverse landscapes, and vibrant traditions come together.

From the Aztec and Maya to pumas and whale sharks, Mexico has a remarkable story to tell. Explore the civilizations that shaped the country, discover how Mexico gained independence from Spain, and learn about its food, festivals, languages, government, and cities. You’ll also discover how deserts, mountains, jungles, and coastlines provide habitats for an amazing variety of plants and animals.

Teachers and parents, you can use this fact file to:

  • Introduce a geography or social studies unit
  • Support nonfiction reading practice
  • Compare countries and cultures
  • Complete map and research activities
  • Prepare students for projects or presentations (use our country report template!)
  • Pair with videos, articles, or other informational texts (see Related Resources below)
Quiz
Interactive: Meet the Sharks

Meet the Sharks is an interactive adventure that lets you explore some of the ocean's most incredible shark species: the great white, hammerhead, whale, blacktip, and tiger shark.

Click on each illustrated shark to watch an exciting educational video from state-of-the-art BBC productions like Blue Planet and Deadly 60. Then click on each shark's name to uncover a fun fact about what makes that species unique — from extraordinary senses to surprising behaviors to mind-blowing adaptations.

Whether you're meeting these amazing fish (that's right — sharks are fish!) for the first time or already know a thing or two about sharks, this interactive experience is a fun way to discover how each species has adapted to life in the ocean. Dive in, explore, and see which shark becomes your favorite!

Printable
Animal Fact File: Whale Sharks

What fish can grow longer than a school bus but feeds on tiny plankton? The whale shark is the largest fish on Earth — and one of its gentlest.

From tropical coastlines to the open ocean, these enormous fish spend their lives searching for tiny creatures drifting through the water. Discover how whale sharks use filter feeding instead of hunting, dive thousands of feet beneath the surface, and migrate incredible distances across the globe. You'll also learn why these gentle giants are endangered and how scientists are working to protect them for generations to come.

Teachers and parents, you can use this fact file to:

  • Introduce an animal, wildlife, or life science unit
  • Support nonfiction reading and vocabulary practice
  • Explore animal adaptations, behaviors, and habitats
  • Compare animals and the ecosystems they live in
  • Practice finding and organizing information from nonfiction texts
  • Prepare students for animal research projects or presentations (use our animal report templates!)
  • Connect science learning to conservation and environmental issues
  • Pair with videos, articles, or other informational texts (see Related Resources below)
Playlist
The Best of Sir David Attenborough Playlist

Celebrate the incredible work of Sir David Attenborough — a storyteller who has helped millions of students and viewers explore the natural world. On the occasion of his 100th birthday on May 8, 2026, we honor his enormous accomplishments in the field of environmental advocacy and his role in revolutionizing nature documentaries.

This playlist brings together 10 unforgettable clips from landmark BBC series like Planet Earth, Blue Planet, and Frozen Planet. Each video showcases amazing wildlife, powerful storytelling, and moments that spark curiosity and wonder.

Perfect for the classroom or at home, these videos help students connect with nature, understand our planet, and feel inspired to protect it.

Playlist
The BBC Earth Day Playlist

This Earth Day (or anytime this month), share this inspiring video playlist designed to spark curiosity and action in students ages 8–14. From incredible wildlife conservation stories to real-world environmental solutions, each clip invites students to explore the beauty of our planet — and the challenges it faces.

Get a closer look at how forests support life on Earth, discover innovative ideas like renewable energy, and meet the people working to protect endangered species and restore habitats. Along the way, students will see how small choices can make a big difference for our world.

Packed with powerful moments and meaningful learning, this playlist encourages students not just to learn about the Earth — but to think about how they can help protect it.

Quiz
How Many of These Fin-tastic Shark Facts Do You Know?

Sharks rule the oceans in every shape and size — from the stealthy great white slicing through the surf to the tiny glow-in-the-dark dwarf lantern shark hiding in the dark. But how much do you really know about these incredible ocean predators?

Packed with jaw-dropping facts, surprising adaptations, and a few deep-sea curveballs, this quiz dives into the remarkable world of sharks. Only the most fearless ocean fans and shark-savvy explorers will ride the wave to victory.

Playlist
The Ultimate Shark Playlist

Dive into the incredible world of sharks with this thrilling BBC Learning Hub playlist! From the sleek and powerful great white to the gentle giant whale shark and the uniquely shaped hammerhead, these videos showcase the beauty and mystery of the ocean's most iconic predators. Perfect for sparking curiosity and a little shark-inspired awe in your classroom! 🦈

Playlist
The Whale Playlist: 12 Videos About Whales

Dive into the captivating world of whales with this BBC Learning Hub playlist, featuring 12 stunning clips from landmark BBC series. Explore the lives of blue whales, orcas, and grey whales as they glide through oceans, communicate, hunt, and nurture their young. Perfect for sparking curiosity, these breathtaking videos bring the majestic giants of the sea into your classroom or home.

Video
Whale Sharks in Southern Asia's Seas

In Whale Sharks in Southern Asia's Seas, narrator Sir David Attenborough shows how the once-endangered whale shark is now protected in Indonesian waters, thanks to local fishermen. With respect for the ocean and its inhabitants, these communities have made sustainable fishing choices, allowing whale shark populations to recover. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Seven Worlds, One Planet, a series featuring remarkable animal behavior from all seven continents.

Video
Whale Sharks Are Both Protector and Predator

In Whale Sharks Are Both Protector and Predator, narrator Sir David Attenborough explores the fascinating behavior of whale sharks, the largest fish in the ocean. Whale sharks use their massive size and feeding strategies to survive in the ocean, often sharing food sources with predatory species like tuna. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Planet Earth, a breathtaking documentary series that highlights the natural wonders of our planet.

Video
The Whale Sharks and the Fishermen Bond

In The Whale Sharks and Fishermen’s Bond, host Simon Reeve explores Cenderawasih Bay, where fishermen have a special bond with local whale sharks. The fishermen believe the sharks bring them good luck and have cared for the sharks for years. Simon dives into the water to see these massive creatures up close and learns that whale sharks feed on tiny fish and plankton, not humans. He also discovers how vital it is for the community to protect the ocean and its ecosystem for future generations. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Wilderness With Simon Reeve, an epic adventure into the heart of Earth’s last great wild areas, where nature is at its most beautiful and fragile.

Video
The Majestic Whale Shark

In The Majestic Whale Shark host Simon Reeve sails through Indonesia’s Cenderawasih Bay, searching for the elusive whale shark. These gentle giants can grow as long as a bus and weigh up to 30 tons, yet much about them, like where they breed, remains unknown. At a fishing platform called a bagan, Simon spots one and marvels at its size and grace. He discovers how this area helps scientists study and protect these mysterious creatures. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Wilderness With Simon Reeve, an epic adventure into the heart of Earth’s last great wild areas, where nature is at its most beautiful and fragile.