Grades 3-5
Creatures of the Chesapeake
Use these lesson starters to discover a vibrant ecosystem and explore the biodiversity of the animals and organisms living in the brackish waters of the Chesapeake Bay.
Chesapeake Bay Week
Celebrate our nation’s largest estuary, and explore the natural wonder of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay watershed as students dive into the science, history, and industries of the Bay.
These classroom-ready resources - for elementary, middle and high school students - make use of theme-based video clips from MPT programs, primary sources, guiding questions, and learning extensions to engage students and prompt inquiry. Select a theme to find no-prep lesson starters, student lessons, and learning interactives to use in your classroom and promote deeper reflection on ways students can help protect the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Explore the diverse ecosystems, animals, and organisms living in the Chesapeake Bay.
Grade 5
Rockfish and Food Web
In this lesson starter, learn about Maryland’s state fish and explore the Chesapeake Bay food web to understand the role of organisms in their environment.
Grades 6-8
BayQuest: A Journey of Exploration
Go on an interactive BayQuest as you tour the Chesapeake Bay estuary, explore different ecosystems and habitats, and identify Bay organisms.
History and Culture
Uncover the Chesapeake Bay’s unique history and culture.
Grades 1-2
Life on the Chesapeake Bay
Examine the history, natural diversity, and cultural significance of the Chesapeake Bay with this inquiry kit of primary sources from the Library of Congress.
Grades 6-8
Black Watermen and Music Making on the Chesapeake
Learn about spirituals and chanteys - two musical expressions of African American watermen and seafood processors - in this interactive lesson.
Grades 6-10
The Oyster Wars
Analyze Library of Congress primary sources in this inquiry kit about the late 19th- and early 20th-century disputes over oyster harvesting rights and regulations.
Environmental Challenges
Examine issues affecting the health of the Chesapeake Bay.
Grade 3
Blue Catfish - Invasive Species
In this lesson starter, learn why invasive species are harmful to the Bay and identify solutions to stop the growth of blue catfish.
Grade 5
Too Much Rain Hurts Oyster Farms
In this lesson starter, find out why the composition of rainwater affects the health of oyster farms in the Bay.
Grades 9-12
Where Has All the SAV Gone?
In this science-themed literacy activity, gather information to write an informational piece about the Bay’s submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV).
Watershed Conservation
Discover ways you can help preserve our Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Grades 3-5
Welcome to Your Watershed Lesson Starters
Use the classroom-ready lesson starters with students to examine what makes local Maryland watersheds important natural resources.
Grades 6-8
Welcome to Your Watershed
Dive into understanding what watersheds are, their significance in shaping our environment, and the vital role they play in sustaining life in this interactive activity.
Grades 9-12
Protecting the Chesapeake Bay Watershed
In this lesson starter, students learn about the importance of working with individuals, community organizations, and different governmental bodies to preserve the Bay.
Industry and Economy
Assess the impact the Chesapeake Bay has on the area's economy and industry.
Grade 3
Seasonal Harvesting in the Bay
In this lesson starter, students learn how weather patterns determine the best time of the year to harvest crabs and oysters for economic and food industry purposes.
Grades 4-8
Bait to Plate
Use this lesson to introduce students to the tradition, culture, and economy of Maryland’s crab industry, and the different factors that impact its future.
Grades 9-12
Bay Scallop Restoration
In this lesson starter, students explore how aquaculture farmers rehabilitate the Bay’s scallop populations and restore an important part of Maryland’s seafood industry.