Grade
8
Submerged
Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) Study
Fall and Spring
Locations: Days Cove
Essential
Question: In what ways have humans impacted the SAV populations
in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries?
Through
a study of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV/underwater grasses)
at Days Cove, students will determine how human activities
have impacted the environment. They will investigate biotic
and abiotic factors that influence SAV growth, native and non-native
species, and the importance of SAV to Bay health. Students
will collect data using digital and manual data acquisition
tools and SAV sampling rakes. Students will analyze collected
data to determine the current condition of SAV. This field
experience can be coupled easily with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s “Bay
Grasses In Classes.”
Content Standard: Environmental
Topic: Environmental Issues
Indicator: Recognize and explain how human
activities can accelerate or magnify many naturally occurring
changes.