Pile of oyster shells

Oysters Filtering the Bay

Grade 6-8

This lesson focuses on two main ideas:

Oysters being Oysters’ role as a keystone species of the Chesapeake Bay and their role in helping to preserve the overall health of the Bay.
The threat that algal blooms pose to the health of the Bay.

Procedure

INTRODUCTION (15 minutes)

Read the introduction to students and review new vocabulary. Students will watch the "Maryland Farm and Harvest - Episode 1012 - Oysters Filtering the Bay ” video. After the video, discuss the essential questions and thinking questions aligned to the topic and video. Discuss with students the career connections related to oysters.

EXTENSION (15-30 minutes)

Complete extension activities with students, as you deem appropriate.

ASSESSMENT (15 minutes)

Have students apply their newfound knowledge by completing a Summative CER on the lesson using evidence from the video and activities as support.

REFLECTION (10 minutes)

Have students complete a reflection.

Standards

NGSS Performance Expectation

MS-LS2-4 Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence that changes to physical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations.

Science and Engineering Practices
Science and Engineering Practices Engaging in Argument from Evidence
Engaging in argument from evidence in 6–8 builds on K–5 experiences and progresses to constructing a convincing argument that supports or refutes claims for either explanations or solutions about the natural and designed world(s).
- Construct an oral and written argument supported by empirical evidence and scientific reasoning to support or refute an explanation or a model for a phenomenon or a solution to a problem.
Disciplinary Core Ideas
LS2.C: Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience
- Ecosystems are dynamic in nature; their characteristics can vary over time. Disruptions to any physical or biological component of an ecosystem can lead to shifts in all its populations.

Crosscutting Concepts
Stability and Change
- Small changes in one part of a system might cause large changes in another part.

Maryland Environmental Literacy Standard

Standard 2
Human Dependence on Earth Systems and Natural Resources:
Environmentally literate students construct and apply understanding of how Earth’s systems and natural resources support human existence.

Summative CER

Option 1:

Construct an argument regarding how oysters are critical for maintaining the health of the Chesapeake Bay. Use evidence and reasoning from the videos and activities to support your response.

Option 2:

Develop a scientific explanation regarding why algal blooms are such a problem for the Chesapeake Bay and what can be done to remove them. Use evidence and reasoning from the videos and activities to support your explanation.

Reflection Questions

What makes oysters a keystone species of the Chesapeake Bay?
Why is it imperative that humans work to restore oyster populations and keep their numbers stable in the Chesapeake Bay?

Summative CER Rubric

Scoring Rubric Components	No Response Score Point 0	Not There Yet Score Point 0.5	Beginning To Score Point 0.75	Yes Score Point 1.0
CLAIM	The claim is missing.	The claim is incorrect or irrelevant.	The claim partially takes a position on the topic or issue addressed within the prompt.	The claim takes an appropriate position on the topic or issue addressed within the prompt.
EVIDENCE	There is no type of evidence in the response.	The evidence is irrelevant or does not support the claim.	The evidence partially supports the claim and demonstrates some understanding of the topic or text, using appropriate sources.	The evidence supports the claim and demonstrates a strong understanding of the topic or text, using appropriate sources.
REASONING	There is no use of words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and to clarify the relationship between the claim and evidence.	Use of words, phrases and clauses fail to show or explain any relationship between the claim and evidence.	Scientific words, phrases, and clauses used lack cohesion but partially clarify the relationship between the claim and evidence.	Appropriate scientific words, phrases, and clauses are used to create cohesion and to clarify the relationship between the claim and evidence.