Second graders at Lyseth Elementary School recently wrapped up a Side x Side physical theater program led by teaching artist Gretchen Berg and integrated with a science unit on whales, dolphins, and porpoises. The program kicked off with an interactive presentation by Brittany Liscord from the Children’s Museum of Maine and her life-sized blow-up humpback whale named Istar!  Students put on their “scientist goggles” to learn about whales through observation, listening, touch, and movement. They also learned about unique whale features including their vision, breathing, sounds and songs, migration, and diet. Students then worked with Gretchen Berg to create a physical theater performance about whales, dolphins, and porpoises that included creating a scientifically detailed full-scale model of a humpback whale (using all 21 kids)!