The Blue Crab's Chesapeake Journey

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In this data collection activity about crabs, learners use data from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) trawl survey to determine the areas of the Chesapeake Bay that are being used by blue crabs during different life stages. Learners work in groups and use the data to construct hypotheses which explain the location of the crabs based on factors such as water chemistry, currents, season, human impact, etc.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 2 hours
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 14 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Structure
      • Oceans and Water
    • Earth, Moon and Sun
      • Seasons
      • Tides
  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Animals
    • Ecology
      • Ecosystems
      • Populations
      • Human Impact
  • Mathematics
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
      • Data Representation
    • Number and Operations
  • The Nature of Science
    • Science and Society
      • Public Policy
    • The Scientific Process
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results

Informal Categories

  • Animals
  • Nature and Environment

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • hear
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Clark, Vicki

Rights:

Funding Sources:

  • NOAA Sea Grant
  • National Marine Educators Association