School No. 28 Students Step Inside a Life-Size Whale for an Unforgettable Experience

This morning, Henry Hudson School No. 28 students embarked on an unforgettable adventure—inside a life-sized whale replica.

The Whalemobile, a 40-foot inflatable whale, provided an immersive learning experience, helping students grasp the sheer scale of these magnificent marine mammals. Once inside the whale, students explored whale biology, ecosystems, and ocean food chains. The program was led by whale researcher Cynde McInnis, who drew upon her background of over 2,000 whale watch trips to teach students about the beauty of the species and the environmental challenges confronting them today.

"We think it is very important; we want our kids to get a real-life experience, and so we were excited to be chosen by the Whalemobile to come to Henry Hudson School No. 28 to give our kids this experience, said Susan Ladd, Principal of School No. 28. “The students in grades 2 through 6 got to go into the whale and have a lesson inside the whale, and then they came out and they had another lesson about the environment and the impact on the environment."

By the end of this week, the Whalemobile will have visited five RCSD schools, including School No. 22, 28, 33, 52, and 58. In total, more than 2,750 students will have participated in this unique opportunity.

This visit was made possible by the Rochester Education Foundation’s (REF) Smile Program. Created by local philanthropist Dave Beck, the program funds field trips and educational experiences designed to deliver a well-rounded education and put smiles on students’ faces.

Founded in 2005, REF’s mission is to provide programs and resources to improve learning and success for all City of Rochester students through partnerships with educators, businesses, and the community. For more information, visit www.rochestereducation.org.