Mrs. Kathy Richardson Living Marine Resources Cooperative Science Center, Department of Natural Sciences, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Princess Anne, MD PROGRAM BACKGROUND PROGRAM INTRODUCTION GUIDING TOPICS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS RESEARCH SCOPE OF PROGRAM CREST-CISCEP (Center for the Integrated Study of Coastal Ecosystem Processes) is a NSF grant funded program at UMES aimed at exposing students, especially those from under represented populations, to the marine sciences through summer internships, paid undergraduate and graduate level assistantships and K-12 outreach activities. CREST-CISCEP creates an educational and financial pipeline through which scientifically inclined students can travel as far as a Ph.D. Dr. Paulinus Chigbu Director, CREST Center Dr. Andrea Johnson Associate Director, CREST Center Ms. Kerrie Bunting Program Coordinator Faculty: Dr. Pat Goslee Dr. Madhumi Mitra Dr. Eric May Dr. Joseph Patula Ms. Tracie Bishop Captain Chris Daniels Graduate Students: Fred Oseji, Henry Xavier, Efe Oghenekaro and Heather Wolfer National Park Service Rangers: Mary Davis, Pamela Stewart, Richard Blanton, Elizabeth Simko and Lester Franklin The purpose of the Coastal Marine Science Workshop for teachers was to promote environmental literacy among high school and middle school teachers and students by infusing ocean science educational materials into the existing curricula. During the workshop, program activities will be developed that are aligned with State and National Standards, and that meet the Middle and High School Assessment (MSA and HSA) requirements. Fig. 1 Microscopy of an oyster-killing microbe SUBPROJECT 1: Land Use and Climate variability: Effects on Nutrient Dynamics in the Coastal Waters SUBPROJECT 2: Understanding the dynamics of phytoplankton and macroalgae species including HABs in Maryland Coastal Bays SUBPROJECT 3: Dynamics of Zooplankton Community in Maryland Coastal Bays and Their Driving Mechanisms SUBPROJECT 4: Physiological effects of hypoxia and environmental contaminants on Atlantic Croaker in the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays SUBPROJECT 5: Effects of Environmental Factors on Blue Crab C. sapidus and its Relation to Infection by Hematodinium sp. LABS AND ACTIVITIES REFERENCES Fig. 3. Some representatives of the variety in biodiversity encountered in Assateague Island during a coastal bay discovery trip sponsored by UMES and the National Park Service.  What plankton and algae communities comprise Louisa County High School's watershed?  How important are phytoplankton to the food chain? What is their role in an ecosystem?  What effects can arise if the phytoplankton populations are compromised?  Construct a food web from different freshwater, estuarine, or marine organisms.  Be able to correctly identify the Chesapeake Bay watershed and LCHS' local watersheds using different maps.  Pond life laboratory activity with microscopy and proper plankton collecting protocol Coastal Marine Ecosystems STANDARDS Ocean Literacy National Standards: 2: The ocean and life in the ocean shape the features of earth. 5: The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems. Virginia Biology Standards of Learning: BIO 1: a) observations of living organisms are recorded in the lab and in the field BIO 4: c) how the structures and functions vary among and within the Eukarya kingdoms of protists, fungi, plants, and animals, including humans BIO 6: d) examination of biochemical similarities and differences among organisms e) systems of classification that are adaptable to new scientific discoveries BIO 8 e) analysis of the flora, fauna, and microorganisms of Virginia ecosystems. Fig. 2 Maps of Louisa County's three watersheds Ocean Web Food Game Students will simulate ecological relationships between different marine species and model the effects when a species is lost from that web. Picophytoplankton Size Lab Activity This lab activity introduces students to a micrometer, a way to measure plankton, and utilizes math skills and prepares them for the following lab. Picoeukaryote Identification Lab Activity This activity illustrates how scientists use molecular techniques to study plankton. Harmful Algal Blooms Activity This activity identifies biological and physical causes for an HAB and uses real data to help predict future HAB's. eanLitChart.pdf isingTides_page27-29.pdf