​SAVE THE PLANET

Grade 5  Oyster Restoration Project Spring 2018

Our 5th grade students worked together with a couple staff members from the  Coastal Conservation Association to create and restore oyster habitats. Students learned about the importance of oysters in our bay. They learned that oysters act as a filter for our bay to make it healthier. Students learned a little bit about the history of oysters and the oysters’ role in the ecosystem. They also learned about the decrease in oyster population and the destruction of their habitat. Students then were engaged in the hands-on task of creating an oyster reef ball which would be installed in the Chesapeake Bay and serve as a habitat to grow oysters. From putting the molds together, to inflating balls to create gaps in the mold, to mixing up concrete and shoveling it into the molds, and finally “hatching” the molds, and loading up the truck – students were engaged in every task of constructing an oyster reef ball. This was an outstanding opportunity for students to contribute to the health of our bay and learn about environmental stewardship. They learned that they can make a difference!