Students recently embarked on an unforgettable learning experience, combining science, sustainability, and a splash of adventure as they explored the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This hands-on field trip to Baltimore was more than just a change of scenery—it was a deep dive into the environmental challenges and solutions shaping our region.
Our 4th and 5th grade communities have been working through a Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience curriculum that was developed in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF). Students have been learning about how our local waterways are all connected to the Chesapeake Bay. Before traveling to Baltimore, students completed a Schoolyard Report Card, assessing how our school supports clean water practices. They noted that many of our drain pipes lead to grassy areas or gardens, and our campus is home to a variety of native vegetation—both of which help filter storm water before it enters local waterways. They also discovered areas where we can take action to improve our commitment to a healthier watershed.
With these observations in mind, students traveled to Baltimore to board the Lady Maryland, a historic sailing vessel run by a crew of educators from the Living Classrooms Foundation who live on the boat 24/7. On their five hour voyage on the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, students participated in lifting the sails, in navigating the boat, in testing the water for salinity, turbidity and pH, and in small scale trawling to learn about aquatic life. Students learned how banning large scale trawling has benefitted oysters which are crucial for filtering and cleaning up the waters of the Bay and that each one can filter and clean 50 gallons of water a day! Students looked at zooplankton and phytoplankton under microscopes and learned that phytoplankton produces most of the oxygen we breathe– even more than land plants! Students also learned how buoyancy works and they made small boats out of tin foil and craft sticks. Then they had a competition to see which ones could hold the most weight.
A highlight of the day was meeting Mr. Trash Wheel, a quirky but powerful symbol of sustainability that collects trash from the Patapsco River before it can flow into the bay. Students learned about how long it takes things to decompose and marveled at how innovative, community-driven ideas like Mr. Trash Wheel are making a real difference.
Students will use their learnings from this trip and the results of their water testing, along with the data from their schoolyard report, to guide them in designing a student-led action project aimed at reducing our school’s impact on the watershed. With knowledge in hand and inspiration from the bay, our students are ready to lead the way in making meaningful environmental change—starting right here at our school!