There's a 56-foot whale named Clara, and she's always on the move.
Like real gray whales, she travels thousands of miles every year. But instead of the ocean, her migration takes her through the forests and plains of Wisconsin, from community to community, to meet kids.
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Immersive learning that sparks lifelong curiosity
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Brings marine science to your doorstep—no travel required
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Customizable for schools, libraries, camps, and events
Picture
This...
A darkened gym, one glowing blue light, and within minutes — a 56-foot whale materializes in front of your students. Inside, they can explore replica whale bones and fossil specimens. That's Forest Whales — a science adventure ifteen years in the making, built to leave kids asking questions long after Clara heads down the road.
Who am I?
I'm Dave Daniels
A science educator, presenter, and the founder of Forest Whales.
I've spent 15 years bringing hands-on science to kids across Wisconsin, first through Colossal Fossils, a traveling paleontology program I ran from 2011 to 2020, and now through Forest Whales. I've presented to tens of thousands of students at schools, libraries, zoos, and community events across the Midwest. I know how to hold a room — whether it's 20 kids in a library or 400 in a gymnasium.
I built Forest Whales because I believe the best science education doesn't happen in a textbook. It happens when a second grader reaches into a bin of real shark teeth and asks why they're shaped that way.
The Five Rules
of Forest Whales
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Honesty above all else.
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Lead the way in educational programs that inspire curiosity and wonder.
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Foster a love of learning.
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Teach respect and care for nature and the environment.
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​Build strong connections with kids, families, and communities.
