Pile of oyster shells
Oysters Filtering the Bay
Grades 6-8
Maryland is known for its oysters in the Chesapeake Bay. Oyster gardening and farming are popular among farmers who produce oysters for restaurants and markets. Besides being delicious, oysters are extremely important species for the Chesapeake Bay. We will explore why this is the case throughout this lesson.
Teacher's Guide and Related Standards
Students will be able to explain the significant role oysters play in helping to preserve the health of the Chesapeake Bay.
- What threat do algal blooms pose to the Chesapeake Bay?
- What makes oysters a keystone species of the Chesapeake Bay, and how do oysters help preserve the health of the Bay?
Maryland Farm & Harvest Clip
- What organism do oysters thrive on in the Chesapeake Bay?
- What is the threat algal blooms pose to the Chesapeake Bay?
- How are algal blooms fueled?
Vocabulary
Supplemental Enrichment Activities
from Evidence
Oyster and Algae Graph
Students will analyze and interpret the graph showing oyster and algae population numbers in the Chesapeake Bay. Students will use this graph as evidence in order to develop arguments related to the relationship between oysters and algae.
Bay 101: Oysters
Students will navigate the resource information to learn why oysters are considered keystone species to the Chesapeake Bay and what caused their population to decline in recent times. Students will also learn about the current efforts that are underway to help restore oyster populations.
Chesapeake Bay: Oyster Restoration
Students will read an article that addresses how oyster populations keep the Chesapeake Bay stable. As a result of the efforts, it is critical for humans to continue to play a role in maintaining oyster populations in the Bay. Students should explain the details behind oyster restoration projects and the impacts and changes these projects are having on the Bay ecosystem.
Career Connections
