Science Fenns K-5Grades K to 5
Orcas swimming close together in a pod, a mother and calf side by side, working as a team around a school of fish.

Science / All lessons / Structures and Behaviors

Learned Behavior

Orcas hunting together.

Lesson 41 of 41

Try this first

Before we start

Today’s story

Learned Behavior

Orcas live in family groups called pods. Pods hunt together. Some use waves to knock seals off ice and some herd fish into tight balls. Each pod has its own way. Calves learn by watching their mothers and relatives.

That is learned behavior. A learned behavior is something an animal picks up from experience or from others. It can change. Different pods learn different skills and pass them on.

Pets learn behaviors too. A dog learns its name and a calf learns where the water tank is. Instinct is born in you. Learned behavior is picked up. Here are the steps.

See it

Five steps. Every time.

    Hands on

    Teach a Skill

    25 minutes · Do this with a grown-up nearby

    You need

    • a partner
    • a small ball
    • a cup
    • a timer
    • paper for tally marks

    Do this

    1. Choose a simple skill, like tossing the ball into the cup.
    2. Try ten times without help and tally the hits.
    3. Watch your partner demonstrate.
    4. Try ten more and tally.
    5. Compare scores.
    6. Discuss what helped.
    Write or draw: A table with the tally before and after watching.

    Watch for: Scores usually improve after watching and practice. That is learning.

    Safety: Play where there is room and nothing breakable.

    Same every time

    Three rules

    Rule 1Learned behavior comes from experience.

    Watching and trying build it.

    Rule 2It can differ between groups.

    Pods have their own hunting styles.

    Rule 3Both kinds help survival.

    Animals use instinct and learning together.

    Grandpa Fenn’s notebook

    Say it like a scientist

    learned behavior
    A behavior picked up from experience or others.
    pod
    A family group of orcas that stays together.
    instinct
    Behavior an animal is born ready to do without being taught.
    practice
    Trying something again and again to get better.

    Poppy’s quiz

    Six questions

    Tap an answer. Green means right. You will see why.

    Talk about it

    Say it out loud

    • What evidence shows a behavior was learned and not born in?
    • What has a pet or farm animal learned from you or from others?
    Did you know

    Different orca pods have different calls, almost like dialects, and calves learn them from family.

    Someone who does this

    An animal trainer teaches animals skills using patience and rewards.

    BeforeInstinctDoneBack to Grade 5