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Modified for Middle School Inclusion Programs	Saving the Chesapeake Bay Maria C. Bovich Greenbelt Middle School
About The Bay The Watershed The Food Chain Microorganisms Water Pollution Pfiesteria piscicida

Chesapeake Bay Program Office, Annapolis, MD - www.chesapeakebay.net/bay program/bay_eco/bay.htm

The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States. It stretches 185 miles from the north where the Susquehanna River enters, to the south in Virginia. It ranges from 4 miles wide near Annapolis, to almost 30 miles wide near Point Lookout, MD. The Bay harbors hundreds of wonderful anchorages hidden within a vast number of rivers, creeks, coves and bays.

The Bay is unsurpassed in its natural beauty and and is home to more than 2,000 aquatic life forms, both plant and animals, existing in this wonderful ecosystem. It is probably best known for the crabs and oysters pulled from its waters, but is host to many other animals including Canada geese, green-backed heron, egrets and ospreys. The word Chesapeake means "great shellfish bay" derived from the Algonquin Indians.

The Chesapeake Bay is in trouble. Between 1940 and 1995, the population living in the Chesapeake Bay area has grown from 3.7 million to 15 million, and it is predicted that within a few years its population may reach 18 million. The "fresh" water flowing into the Bay is full of chemical runoff from factories, sewage plants, and farms. These chemicals can cause diseases in fish and shellfish. The rapid reproduction of algae is also a problem in that it blocks the sun from reaching any oxygen producing algae below. When the algae die, the decaying process uses up the oxygen in the water making it hard for fish and other aquatic organisms to survive.

There have been many efforts by the states of Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania to clean up the bay. Both government and private organizations are involved. Students, too, have become more involved and knowledgeable when it comes to "Saving the Chesapeake Bay."

INFORMATION LINKS

www.chesbaynet.com

Chesapeake Bay - Net - Food, Features, Fun

www.gmu.edu/bios/Bay/acb

Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay

www.chesapeake.org

Chesapeake Bay Information Network

www.chesapekebay.net/bay program/bay - eco/bay.htm

The Chesapeake Bay & Its Ecosystem

GOAL: To gain a factual overview concerning the Chesapeake Bay, including information on its location, resources, recreation, and pollution concerns.

OBJECTIVES: The students will;

1. Discuss and share prior knowledge of the Chesapeake Bay
2. Identify what further information they would like to learn
3. Present new found knowledge of the Chesapeake
4. Define vocabulary words relating to the Bay

MATERIALS:

1. Text -Science Interactions - Glencoe - Course 1, pages 372 - 373
2. Teacher-made chart on chalkboard
3. Graphic on the Chesapeake Bay (can be shown on TV using computer/TV converter)

PROCEDURE:

1. WARM-UP ACTIVITY - Have students list all facts of prior knowledge concerning the Chesapeake Bay
2. CLASS ACTIVITIES -

• Have students take turns listing one or two facts on the board from their warm-up
• Facilitate class discussion as to the facts listed on the chart
• Read text pages 372 - 373
• Facilitate class discussion on pictures and text
• Show graphic of the Chesapeake Bay - Facilitate discussion of all factors represented in picture and how they affect the Bay

PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT: Students will write a short essay on what they have learned about the Chesapeake Bay and their reaction to these new facts. The essay will include at least 4 new facts and the student will identify one new fact which he/she wishes to explore further. The essay should be at least 3 paragraphs in length.

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