Introducing Within the Whale: A Whale of an Educational Adventure
Welcome to Within the Whale, an exciting educational outreach program in Maine. We’re bringing the ocean to you with an unforgettable, immersive experience that inspires wonder, sparks curiosity, and fosters a lifelong connection to the sea.
At the heart of our program is a life-size inflatable humpback whale—and yes, you can go inside it! Step into the belly of the whale, where you’ll explore 3D anatomical features and discover the incredible story of one of the ocean’s most iconic creatures. It's hands-on science like you've never seen before.
Meet Chunk: Our Whale, Our Inspiration
Our inflatable whale is modeled after a real humpback named Chunk, a beloved regular in the Gulf of Maine. Known for the missing “chunk” in her dorsal fin, Chunk was about 40 feet long and around 10 years old. Though she sadly passed away in the summer of 2024, her story lives on through our lessons, reminding us how powerful personal connections to wildlife can be.
Through Chunk’s story, students and families learn about whale anatomy, migration, feeding habits, impacts, conservation efforts, and the importance of protecting our ocean ecosystems. It’s a journey inside the whale—and into the world of marine science.
Ocean Education for All Ages
Whether you’re a kindergartener discovering whales for the first time or a high school student diving into marine biology, our programming is tailored for every age group and learning level. We’ve aligned our content with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to ensure it’s educational, engaging, and relevant.
Can’t accommodate the inflatable whale? We also offer a whale lesson without the whale, so we can reach schools, libraries, and community groups all over Maine and beyond.
Meet the Educator
Within the Whale was founded by Jessica Woodend, a wildlife educator with a degree in Natural Resource Management and a lifelong love of marine life. Jessica has spent her career making science fun, accessible, and impactful. Whether she’s teaching about bats, whales, or pollinators, her passion for connecting people with nature shines through.
When she’s not teaching, you’ll find her hiking the coast, beachcombing, volunteering with marine conservation groups, or tending to her pollinator garden.
Book a Visit
Ready to go Within the Whale? We’re booking visits for schools, libraries, summer camps, and community events across Maine. Let’s bring the ocean to your neighborhood and splash into science.
Dive in and discover what’s within the whale!