The Living Bay Online day program at the Weinberg Education Center combines hands-on learning about the environment with performance-based applications of biology, chemistry, ecology, math, language, and computer skills. Participating students will not only investigate the importance of the Chesapeake Bay oyster and its environment, but will conduct primary research on Living Classrooms' Patapsco River oyster sanctuary. Learning stations in the program may include:


Students examine and dissect some oysters from the Patapsco River sanctuary. This activity allows students to learn about the biology, life cycle, and ecological role of the oyster, as well as the history and economic impact of this celebrated bivalve. The dissection concludes with students preparing the oysters for a Dermo assay.
  



Dermo is one of the two parasites which is depleting the oyster population throughout the Bay. In this station, students research some Patapsco River oysters to see if they have the disease. The assay involves tissue preparation, cell staining, preparing wet-mount slides, and cell counting through a microscope. These primary research activities emphasize correct scientific method and accuracy, as the data is provided to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and posted on the Living Bay Online website.
  



Oyster beds are usually teeming with life. By researching biofilm, or the "living slime" which surrounds the oyster, students can learn more about the oyster's environment. Students discern the difference between plants, animals, and protists, and use microscopes and keys to identify and photograph the organisms that reside in the bilofilm community. Student findings will be used to create an online dichotomous key activity on the Living Bay Online website.
  



Students use chemical test kits and other instrumentation to determine the dissolved oxygen, salinity, pH, temerature, and nitrate content of the Patapsco River. Throughout the testing, they hypothesize about the water quality parameters and how they might affect the oyster community. The filtering role of oysters and eutrophication are also discussed.



Data and photographs collected by students in the program are incorporated into the Living Bay Online website activities. While at the WEC, students can interact with the website and gain critical internet skills.


For more information or to book a program, please contact:
Jennifer Riley
Scheduling & Marketing Coordinator
410-685-0295
Fax: 410-783-1884
jennifer@livingclassrooms.org