Manatees The Mermaids Of Florida

Spanish explorers thought Manatees were mermaids, that is why they are called sea mermaids, and sometimes sea cows. Manatees are gentle giants, that are becoming endangered due to human encroachment. In the winter they come into the warm springs, to sort of hybernate until the warm weather returns. There are some places that will actually let you swim with them, however it is mostly considered harassment of the animal to do so. Here are some cool facts about Manatees:

Manatees can be more than 12 feet long, and weigh more than 3500 pounds, that is a pretty big mermaid.

They eat at much as 100 pounds of vegetation per day.

It takes 13 months for a manatee calf to be born, and females only reproduce every 2-5 years.

Manatees can hold their breath up to 24 minutes.

Manatees are closely related to elephants.

We have actually seen them in person, and have pictures of them. I wanted to share them with you, but they have been developed, and removed from the computer. This video below, is a beautiful example of the gentle giants. My kids love to watch them, almost as much as the birds.


Lesson Plans for 2/18/09:

Reading: Chapter two of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's stone
Social Studies: Flat maps and globes
Language Arts: End marks, proof reading
Math: Tally charts, multiplication, division
Writing: If I was a teacher for the day, I would do this
Spanish: Review
Spelling: Lesson 21- write each spelling word, and circle the vowels
Vocabulary: Lesson 21- Think of a synonym for each vocabulary word
History channel: Abe Lincoln part one