Wetlands

Printables: Additional Links: The Chesapeake Bay Program has a great write-up on wetlands here: https://www.chesapeakebay.net/issues/wetlands Environmental Concern has several teacher-friendly publications about wetlands: https://wetland.org/education/publications/ Here is an interesting video about …

Action Items

There are many actions that individuals can take to lessen their impact on the Chesapeake Bay.  In this lesson, students are introduced to projects that residents of Chestertown have implemented …

Fish Anatomy

Scientists classify fish based on certain shared characteristics.  Let’s identify some features that all fish have in common.   Printables: Additional Links: Information on the White Perch a fish that …

Dissolved Oxygen

Organisms that breathe through gills require dissolved oxygen in the water.  How does oxygen get dissolved and how much of it do different species need?   Printables: Additional Links: The …

Terrapin

Diamondback Terrapins are the official state reptile of Maryland, which is fitting as they prefer the brackish waters of the Chesapeake Bay.  They can be identified by the distinctive diamond-shaped pattern …

Catfish

Catfish are easily identified by their whisker-like features called barbels.  Let’s look at what they actually do for the fish as well as some of their other characteristics.    Printables: …

Hogchocker

Closely resembling a flounder, the Hog Choker is one of the Chesapeake Bay’s flatfish.  Because of their ability to camouflage and hide themselves, they are often unnoticed by most people. …

Water Quality – pH

Scientists measure a water’s pH level to see if it is acidic, basic, or neutral.  Let’s look at contributing factors that could tilt the scales in one direction or another. …

Water Quality – Nitrogen

Nitrogen can enter the Bay’s waterways through natural processes as well as man-made contributions.  How does this impact the health of the Chesapeake? Printables: Additional Links: The USGS provides an …