VCU BEST in Bay Watersheds: Examining the Role of Bivalves in Sustaining Local Watershed Ecosystems

Learn about two modules that engage secondary students in the impact and importance of bivalves in their ecosystems. One module is a Role Play unit that places students in stakeholder roles (e.g., scientists, environmentalists, watermen, consumers, regulators, legislators) as they research an authentic scenarios for oysters depletion (over-harvesting, disease, habitat loss) and mussel population loss (excess fertilizers/pesticides, bacteria/viruses) and solutions to sustain these bivalves. The second module examines bivalves, specifically mussels and oysters, embedded within a MWEE model. The module lessons include life cycle history, water quality studies, virtual field trips (thinglinks and ArcGIS StoryMaps), and opportunities for students to take action related to issues faced by mussels and/or oysters.