Learn some creative ways to integrate the Chesapeake Bay and environmental issues into your classroom lessons. Search through the Bay Backpack's books, multimedia, curriculum guides, individual lesson plans and online data sources about the subjects you are teaching in class.
Check back often for new and innovative resources to help you teach environmental topics.
Get your students' feet wet and hands dirty. Use the Bay Backpack to find a place to take your students on a field trip to learn about the Chesapeake Bay and its streams and rivers.
Search our database of field studies to find a location near you, or read our blog entries about field studies taking place at schools throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
Prepare yourself to teach about the Chesapeake Bay and environmental issues, from climate change to water pollution.
Use the Bay Backpack training calendar to find an upcoming training opportunity near you.
Looking for funds to build a schoolyard habitat or provide your students with a field study? The Bay Backpack includes lists of grant opportunities so you can find the right grant program for you.
Before you apply, check out our grant writing tips to learn how you can strengthen your proposal.
Manassas Park Elementary School Goes Green
From a rainwater harvesting system to a light that tells children when the temperature is ideal outside for opening windows up; this school has thought of it all. Architects from VMDO teamed with Manassas Park Elementary School to build a structure which focuses on sustainable design through eco-friendly approaches. [Read more]
Bay Backpack Launch Promotes Environmental Education
From the historic McNasby's Oyster Company building at the Annapolis Maritime Museum, the Chesapeake Bay Program announced the launch of Bay Backpack. Over 40 folks packed into the bay room to hear officials, including Representative John P. Sarbanes and Annapolis Mayor Josh Cohen boast their support of Bay Backpack. The event kicked off with Peyton Robertson, Director of NOAA's Chesapeake Bay Office, officially announcing the launch of Bay Backpack. [Read more]
Welcome to the Bay Backpack!
Welcome to the Bay Backpack, THE source for Chesapeake Bay education resources, field studies, trainings and funding opportunities for educators. Take some time to explore the pages of the Bay Backpack to discover ways to get your student's feet wet and hands dirty. Read the blog for some exciting project ideas for your school and tips on ways to integrate outdoor education into your curriculum. [Read more]
How to Create a Schoolyard Habitat
Creating a habitat for wildlife in your schoolyard will not only give local wildlife a safe healthy place to live, but it will provide students with an easily-accessible outdoor classroom and provide opportunities for students to observe wildlife in ways they may not have had otherwise. Habitat loss is an increasing pressure on wildlife. Whether you live in a city, in a forest, or in wide-open farmland, every little step you can take towards protecting your local environment will help. [Read more]
Want to know more Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences? This short video will give you the lowdown.
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FieldScope: Explore this interactive mapping system.
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Green School Program: Ways to make your school earth friendly.
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No Child Left Inside: Learn about this exciting program.
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CBIBS Curriculum: Use real-time data to teach the Bay.
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United States Global Change Research Program
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National Science Teachers Association (NSTA)
