Maritime Science School Programs

Tsunamis don't happen often, but when they do, their impact can be devastating. During this program, students journey from the Earth's core to the ridges and valleys of the sea floor as they learn about the underlying causes of tsunamis. As part of the program, students explore how the Earth was formed, the materials that compose her layers, plate tectonics and how underwater quakes influence waves and at times evolve into massive tsunamis. The program concludes with a graphing exercise for younger students or a tsunami prediction exercise for older students.
Fifth through Twelfth grade

SOL/CURRICULUM OBJECTIVE:
Science: NS.5-8.1, NS.5-8.2, NS.5-8.4, NS.5-8.6, NS.5-8.7, NS.9-12.1, NS.9-12.2, NS.9-12.4, NS.9-12.6, NS.9-12.7
Social Studies: NSS-G.K-12.1, NSS-G.K-12.2, NSS-G.K-12.3, NSS-G.K-12.5, NSS-G.K-12.6

The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States. Its watershed encompasses 64,000 square miles, is home to 17,000,000 people, and includes all or portions of six states. The Bay is also home to approximately 3,600 plants and animals and serves as an economic and recreation resource for humans. But the Bay is suffering. During this program, students will examine the resources of the Chesapeake Bay, from the years before early European settlement to today. By exploring the changes in the Bay over time, students will discover the factors that have contributed to its decline. The program concludes with a discussion of the changes students can make in their daily lives to improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay, or any other watershed in which they may live. Learn More 
Fifth through eighth grade

Development of this program was funded in part by the CHESAPEAKE BAY GATEWAYS NETWORK

Linking individuals with ways they can enjoy and protect the Chesapeake Bay
www.baygateways.net

SOL/ CURRICULUM OBJECTIVE:
Science: 6.7a,b,c,d,e,f,g; ES.9a,b,c,d,e,f; ES.11a,b,c,d,e; BIO.9a,b,c,d,e

What are the properties of water that help a boat to float? How do hull design and construction factor into seaworthiness? This educational program focuses on the science of buoyancy and utilizes construction skills to assess the students' ability to make a boat float. Identification of hull designs and construction techniques by means of a small craft scavenger hunt round out the class.
Fifth through eighth grade

SOL/ CURRICULUM OBJECTIVE:
Science: 5.1, 5.4, 5.6, 6.1, 6.2, LS.1, PS.1, PS.2, ES.1, PH.1, PH.3, CH.5

Ocean currents and tides affect our weather, travel at sea, and the movements of marine life. They can also have an effect on our ability to communicate. Explore the motion of the ocean as we examine the currents and tides, the factors that influence them, and how people have put them to use for commerce and communication
Fourth through eighth grade

SOL/ CURRICULUM OBJECTIVE:
Science: 4.1, 4.7, 5.1, 5.6, 6.2, 6.8, ES.4, ES.11, ES.13

Take a walk through the woods to the banks of an oasis in our urban setting. Examine the ecology of a fresh water lake and the many different types of plant and animal life that flourish there. Water testing, plant identification, and nature observation all help in furthering our appreciation of the lake. This program emphasizes environmental diversity, ecosystems, and the food chain.
Third through eighth grade

SOL/ CURRICULUM OBJECTIVE:
Science: 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, 4.4, 4.5, 4.8, 5.7, 6.5,6.7, 6.9, LS.7, LS.9, LS.10, Ls.11, LS.12, ES.9

The Chesapeake blue crab has a complex life cycle. From hatching to death, the blue crab takes on many forms, each with its own special needs. Students will become acquainted with the biology of the blue crab and its role in the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. To enhance their understanding of the blue crab, students will be invited to examine and handle specimens of this crustacean.
(Due to the seasonal availability of blue crabs, this program is offered April through October only.)
Kindergarten through twelfth grade

SOL/ CURRICULUM OBJECTIVES:
Science: K.6, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.4, 2.5, 2.7, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.8, 3.10, 4.5, 4.8, 5.5, 6.7, 6.9, LS.7, LS.11, LS.12

This informative program offers students a chance to learn more about those giants of the deep-- whales. Using hands-on items, charts, and handouts, younger students will learn about the various types of whales, their migratory movement, and background information on why they were hunted. Older students will have an opportunity to see a vintage movie from the early twentieth century depicting life on a whaling ship and will have the chance to handle reproduction-whaling tools.
Kindergarten through twelfth grade

SOL/ CURRICULUM OBJECTIVE:
Science: K.4, K.6, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.5, 2.7, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.10, 4.5, 5.2, 5.5, 6.9, LS.4, LS.5, LS.12

This science-based program explores the forces behind the development of hurricanes and tropical storms. Students will examine the history of these killer storms, learn how to track a hurricane, and participate in experiments and activities designed to aid their understanding of a hurricane and how it affects life on our coastal regions.
Fourth through twelfth grade

SOL/CURRICULUM OBJECTIVE:
Science: 4.1, 4.6, 5.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.6, ES.1, ES.2, ES.3, ES.11, ES.12, ES.13