Student and Community Action
Most invasive aquatic species have been introduced and/or spread as a result of human actions. However, just as humans have been responsible for bringing in or spreading these species, humans, including students, can play a part in slowing the introduction or proliferation of invasive species. Students can engage the public in actions to prevent the spread of invasive species as well as promote removal projects. Activities in this module encourage students to create action projects involving invasive species. The focal species for this section include: Green Crab, Purple Loosestrife, Rock Snot, and Water Chestnut.
Water Chestnut removal by the Chesapeake Bay Program
The goal of this project is to raise awareness about invasive species and to turn that awareness into action to prevent and to manage current and future invasions. The project consists of lesson plans and corresponding hands-on items designed to teach the story about invasive species. Each lesson plan has been aligned with Next Generation Science Standards, Common Core Standards, and Maryland Environmental Literacy Standards. Lesson plans in each module include activities suitable for Grades 3-12. To download the module, click the link below.
Eradication Nation -- Grades 9-12
Students will learn about the issues with Water Chestnut invasions and will work together to create an action plan to organize an eradication event for a local waterway.
Green Crabs Bring in the $Green$ - Grades 6-8
Students will learn about the issues with Green Crab invasion and will create a marketing campaign to make the harvest of Green Crabs profitable.
Let’s Harvest Water Chestnut! - Grades 3-5
Students will learn about the impacts of Water Chestnut and will create informational brochures to teach the public on ways to control Water Chestnut.
No Aquatic Invasives - Grades 3-5
Students will learn about the impacts of invasive plants like Purple Loosestrife and then will write persuasive letters to local nurseries to discourage the sale of invasive plants.
Stop the Snot - Grades 3-5
Students will learn about the impacts of Didymo (aka Rock Snot) by reading a story about Savage Stream and simulating Rock Snot’s spread. After learning about Rock Snot, students will create public service announcements to educate the public on this problematic species.
Wetland Restoration - Grades 9-12
Students will learn about the impact of Purple Loosestrife on wetlands and will create a restoration plan following the removal of Purple Loosestrife from 4 fictional habitats.
Who’s Got the Snot? - Grades 6-12
Students will map the spread of Didymo in Maryland and will put together informational posters or brochures to educate anglers on ways to prevent the future introduction and spread into new streams.
Education Kits
Aquatic Invasive Species Education kits are also available with
printed lesson plans, activity resources, and hands-on items to teach
about the 16 species highlighted in the modules.
To borrow a free kit in Maryland, please click here to find a location nearest you.
