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.
Why Teach About Bay Grasses?
Bay grasses, also known as submerged aquatic vegetation, are plants that grow underwater in the shallow waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Bay grasses are a critical part of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. They provide underwater life with food and habitat, absorb nutrients, trap sediment, reduce erosion, and add oxygen to the water. Teach about bay grasses in your classroom with these great lesson plans and resources. [Read more]
Nature Distractions or Attractions?
Have you ever been listening to an outdoor presentation, but found yourself totally distracted by nature? That is exactly what happens each spring and fall when George Mason University field interpreters attend Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience trainings. Acknowledging kids' observations is one of the best ways to encourage their continued active engagement with nature. [Read more]
Congratulations to the Green Ribbon School Awardees from Chesapeake Watershed States!
In Chesapeake Bay Watershed States and throughout the nation, ED-Green Ribbon Schools and District Sustainability Awardees are being recognized for reducing their environmental impact, including energy use, waste and water; creating healthy learning environments and fostering wellness practices; and providing effective environmental education that prepares students to succeed in the 21st century, including STEM, green careers, and civics. [Read more]
Why Teach About Boats?
Boats have played a huge role in shaping the history and culture of the Chesapeake region and can provide some great science, technology, engineering, and math connections. National Fishing and Boating Week is coming up, so get your students ready to learn about boats! [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)
