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The elementary portion of the Oysters on the Chesapeake Bay learning sequence consists of six lessons; one for each grade in Kindergarten through 5th. Each lesson targets an important area in the study of oysters: individually, as part of an ecosystem, and in oyster restoration. While not directly building on each other, the lessons incorporate age-appropriate skills used in previous lessons and build new skills.
Kindergarteners begin by learning about pollution in water, and in subsequent years build knowledge about oyster shells, oyster reefs, and oyster internal anatomy. By fifth grade, students consolidate their learning, examine other perspectives, and demonstrate their mastery of ecological principles. They investigate and communicate conflicting interests in oyster harvest and restoration and learn how science can be helpful in navigating the complexity of biological and sociological interactions.
The lessons are an introduction for educators to creating three-dimensional learning activities for their students that incorporates the K-12 Framework for Science Education with connections to Common Core, and the Maryland Environmental Literacy Standards. A team of educators from the Chesapeake Region created the framework and wrote the activities in the sequence: Dale Glass (National Presbyterian School), Shannon Ricles (Monitor National Marine Sanctuary), and Molly Harrison (NOAA Fisheries Service/National Ocean Service).
There are six grade levels in the unit:
This activity teaches students about water pollution and cleaning polluted water with filters. Oysters filter nutrients out of water and clean water at the same time.
Students will be able to:
Essential Question: What role do oysters play in cleaning the water of the Chesapeake Bay?
Teacher Note: This activity can be used as an introduction to how oysters filter the Chesapeake Bay.
Students learn the anatomy of an oyster’s shell and the role of the shells in protecting the oyster.
Students will be able to:
Essential Question: What role do oyster shells play in protecting the oyster?
*Teacher Note: Oyster shells have very sharp edges. Acquire shells that have been worn and have smooth edges to avoid injury.
Students learn about oyster reef building and the inhabitants of oyster reefs. They build model reefs using everyday materials and refine their designs based on additional information.
Students will be able to:
Essential Question: How can we clean the water of the Chesapeake Bay to improve the habitat for plants and animals?
Students learn about the properties and functions of oyster reefs by building and testing models of reefs. They also learn about the importance of reefs to oysters.
Students will be able to:
Essential Questions:
Students will learn about the internal and external structure of oysters as an example to help them understand that all organisms have parts that help them survive and grow. They will also learn how the functions of the oyster help the ecosystem in which it lives and the benefits to humans.
Students will be able to:
Essential Question: Why is the Eastern oyster important to the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem and to the people of Maryland and Virginia?
Students will consolidate their learning, examine other perspectives, and demonstrate their mastery of ecological principles. They realize there are conflicting interests, but that science can be helpful in navigating the complexity of biological and sociological interactions.
Students will be able to:
Essential Question: Would the health of the Chesapeake Bay improve if the Asian Oyster were introduced?
