ECOLOGY OF THE CHESAPEAKE BAY IN MARYLAND A High School Curriculum and Supporting Professional Development Activities For Use in Baltimore City Public Schools

Abstract

"Ecology of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland" is a curriculum for senior high school students in Baltimore City who are taking the one semester science elective course ECOLOGY OF THE CHESAPEAKE BAY. It was developed over a period of years to meet the unique needs of the students and school system. The curriculum contains seven units, each with content outline, concepts to be developed, and behavioral objectives. Teaching strategies and an extensive list of educational resource materials are also provided. The units include: Overview of the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland - America in Miniature, Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay Region - Past and Present, the Abiotic Environment of the Chesapeake Bay, The Biotic Environment of the Chesapeake Bay, Multiple Uses of the Chesapeake Bay, and Threats to the Chesapeake Bay. The units can be used sequentially, non-sequentially or independently. Resource materials are drawn from a wide variety of sources so that they can be used for students with varied reading levels. Activities stress basic skills as well as skills in the cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains. A variety of professional development opportunities have been made available to teachers in Maryland to aid them in becoming more aware of the Chesapeake Bay as a learning resource and to use material about it in their science classes. Activities have included lectures, demonstrations, laboratories and field trips. These experiences have been provided through the Maryland Association of Science Teachers.