Science Assemblies for Green Bay, WI Schools | Forest Whales
Bringing a Life-Size Whale to Green Bay Schools
Forest Whales is expanding its programs to Green Bay and the surrounding Fox Valley region, bringing hands-on, NGSS-aligned marine science to elementary and middle schools, public libraries, and community events across Brown County and beyond.
A Science Experience Green Bay Students Will Never Forget
Imagine the lights dimming in your gymnasium. Over the next few minutes, a 56-foot inflatable gray whale takes shape in front of your students' eyes. Before the morning is over, they'll have stepped inside it, handled replica whale bones, examined fossil specimens, and heard stories about the ocean that they'll carry home with them.
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That's a Forest Whales school day — and it comes directly to you.
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Forest Whales is a Wisconsin-based traveling science program that eliminates the need for field trips entirely. We bring marine science to your gymnasium or library and handle everything from setup to teardown, so your staff can simply enjoy the experience alongside your students. Our programs are fully aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and designed for K–8 learners, with content adapted thoughtfully for every grade level in your building.
What a Forest Whales School Day Looks Like
Morning Assembly: The full school gathers for an opening program inside and alongside the whale. Students are introduced to whale anatomy, ocean ecosystems, and the fossil record through immersive, story-driven presentation.
Small Group Rotations: Throughout the day, individual classes cycle through in smaller groups for deeper, hands-on exploration. Students handle replica whale bones, examine fossil specimens, and engage directly with the presenter in a format designed to spark real curiosity.
Take-Home Fossil Shark Teeth: Every student receives a fossil shark tooth replica to take home — a tangible reminder of the experience that keeps the conversation going.
Teacher Follow-Up Resources: Every visit includes digital lesson guides aligned to NGSS standards so teachers can extend the learning in the days that follow.
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Setup and teardown are handled entirely by Forest Whales. A standard school gymnasium — at least 60 feet long, 30 feet wide, and 10 feet high — is all the space you need.
Green Bay's Connection
to Ancient Oceans
Green Bay sits along the edge of one of the Great Lakes — but the water story here goes back much further than Lake Michigan. Hundreds of millions of years ago, the land beneath northeastern Wisconsin was covered by a warm, shallow inland sea that stretched across much of the Midwest. The fossil record left behind by that ancient ocean is part of the same story Forest Whales brings to life in every school visit.
The Niagara Escarpment, which runs through the Green Bay area and defines the Door Peninsula, is one of the most geologically significant formations in the region — a ridge of ancient dolomite laid down on the floor of that prehistoric sea. It's the kind of local detail that makes students realize the ocean's history isn't something distant and remote. It happened right here, beneath their feet.
NGSS-Aligned Learning for
Green Bay-Area Schools
Forest Whales programs directly address the following content areas aligned with Wisconsin's K–8 science standards:
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Structures and functions of living organisms — whale anatomy, adaptations, and survival strategies
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Ecosystems and food webs — ocean food chains, predator-prey relationships, and the role of apex species
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Earth's history and the fossil record — fossil identification, geological time, and Wisconsin's prehistoric past
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Human impact and conservation — how people affect ocean ecosystems and what students can do about it
Full curriculum documentation is available before your booking. If your Green Bay Area Public School District or Brown County district requires pre-approval for enrichment programs, we can provide everything you need.
Making It Work for Your Green Bay School's Budget
Title I enrichment funds. Many Green Bay-area schools that qualify for Title I funding have used discretionary enrichment allocations to cover or offset the cost of a visit. Your federal programs coordinator can help identify whether this applies to your school.
PTA and parent organization sponsorship. Parent groups are often looking for a high-visibility, high-impact way to direct their fundraising. A 56-foot whale in the gymnasium is exactly the kind of event that generates community excitement and lasting memories.
Shared visits with neighboring schools. Forest Whales offers reduced pricing when two or more nearby schools coordinate visits on consecutive days. Green Bay's concentration of schools makes this a very practical option for reducing costs.
Community and civic sponsorships. Green Bay has a strong community identity and a tradition of local investment in education. Businesses and civic organizations in the area have an opportunity to be the sponsor that brings a once-in-a-lifetime science experience to local students.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much space is needed? A standard school gymnasium works perfectly. The whale requires a space at least 60 feet long, 30 feet wide, and 10 feet high.
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How long is the program? Full-day school programs run from your first bell to dismissal, structured around a morning assembly followed by small-group rotations. Programs can be customized to fit your schedule.
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What grades do you serve? Forest Whales is ideal for K–8 students. Content is adapted for different age groups — every grade level in your building gets an age-appropriate experience in the same visit.
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Do you travel throughout the Green Bay area? Yes. We serve Green Bay and surrounding communities including Ashwaubenon, De Pere, Howard, Suamico, Allouez, Bellevue, Pulaski, Seymour, and throughout Brown County and the broader Fox Valley region.
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Is the inflatable structure safe? Absolutely. The inflatable whale is fire-rated and students are supervised at all times. We follow your school's safety guidelines throughout the entire visit.
"David Daniels' program is not only informative, but he also brings laughter and fun into the experience. His knowledge and understanding of the child's developmental stages help David target his program to meet the needs of the group. Not to mention that the whale is so fun for kids to see and interact with. I would highly recommend having this program brought into schools."
Caleb Feidt, Principal, St. Anne's School, Wausau
