Science Assemblies for Wausau, WI Schools | Forest Whales
Wausau's Own Hands-On Science Program
Forest Whales brings unforgettable, hands-on science programs to Wausau schools and libraries. With a giant inflatable whale, real fossils, and interactive demonstrations, our programs make ocean life and earth science come alive for students of all ages.
A Science Assembly Wausau Students Will Never Forget
Forest Whales is a homegrown Wisconsin program — and Wausau is where it all started. We bring a 56-foot inflatable gray whale directly to your gymnasium or library, along with a collection of replica whale bones, fossils, and hands-on exhibits that turn a regular school day into something students talk about for years.
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No field trips, no buses, no off-campus logistics. We handle everything from setup to teardown so your staff can focus on what they do best. Our programs are fully aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and designed for K–8 learners, with content adapted 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 that encourages real questions and genuine curiosity.
Take-Home Fossil Shark Teeth: Every student receives a fossil shark tooth replica to take home — a tangible reminder of the day that sparks conversation at the dinner table.
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.
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 you need.
Wausau's Connection to Ancient Oceans
Wausau sits in the heart of Marathon County, a region with a rich and fascinating geological story. The area's bedrock tells a tale of ancient seas, glacial activity, and deep time — the same forces that shaped the fossil record we bring to life in our programs.
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Long before the Wisconsin River carved its way through the landscape, the Midwest was covered by warm, shallow inland seas teeming with marine life. In fact, some of the world's oldest jellyfish fossils are found in Marathon County. The fossils we bring to Wausau schools are a direct connection to that prehistoric world — and a reminder that the ocean's story is Wisconsin's story too.
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For a community that values education and deep roots, Forest Whales feels right at home in Wausau.
Forest Whales in the Wausau Community
Forest Whales has deep roots in the Wausau area, and local educators have seen firsthand what happens when a 56-foot whale shows up in the gymnasium.
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"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
NGSS-Aligned Learning for Wausau-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 Wausau School District or Marathon County district requires pre-approval for enrichment programs, we can provide everything you need.
Making It Work for Your Wausau School's Budget
Title I enrichment funds. Many Wausau-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 great photographs.
Shared visits with neighboring schools. Forest Whales offers reduced pricing when two or more nearby schools coordinate visits on consecutive days. With several schools in close proximity across Wausau and the surrounding communities, a shared booking is often very practical.
Community and civic sponsorships. Wausau has a strong tradition of community investment in education. Local businesses and civic organizations have sponsored Forest Whales visits at schools across Wisconsin — it's a conversation worth having with your community partners.
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.
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.
What grades do you serve? Forest Whales is ideal for K–8 students. Content is adapted for different age groups — every grade level gets an age-appropriate experience in the same visit.
Do you travel throughout the Wausau area? Yes. We serve Wausau and all surrounding communities including Weston, Rothschild, Schofield, Rib Mountain, Marathon City, Mosinee, Kronenwetter, Merrill, and beyond, such as cities like Antigo and Stevens Point.
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.
