GERSTELL ACADEMY
LEADERSHIP • HONOR • COURAGE

Fourth Graders Explore the Chesapeake Bay on the Lady Maryland

Our 4th grade students had the opportunity to set sail on the Lady Maryland, a sailing vessel with a special history. The ship itself was built by a teacher who wanted students to experience hands-on learning about the Chesapeake Bay, and today it sails through the Living Classrooms Foundation, continuing its mission to educate future generations. 

During their trip, students rotated through a variety of stations that brought science to life. They learned how to navigate using maps, took turns steering the boat, and measured the salinity of the Bay’s water. Using a trawl net, students collected and observed fish, crabs, and oysters, connecting classroom learning with real-life discoveries. They also had meaningful discussions about the health of the Bay after observing pollution firsthand and sadly noticing how the unusual pistachio tide was causing fish to die, an important reminder of the impact of weather phenomena on ecosystems. 

A special surprise awaited our sailors: the Pride of Baltimore II was returning home after being away for many months. To mark the occasion, the ship signaled its arrival with cannon fire, and our students had the unique thrill of waving and calling back a warm “hello” from the deck of the Lady Maryland. After our thrilling hello, the Pride of Baltimore II fired another cannon salute, and we had the honor of escorting her into the Inner Harbor, returning the gesture with our own cannon response from the Lady Maryland. 
This experience was part of our Chesapeake Bay unit, which blends history, science, and environmental stewardship. Recently, students learned about Mr. Trash Wheel, the googly-eyed solar- and water-powered trash interceptor that sits at the mouth of Baltimore’s Jones Falls. Inventor John Kellett famously sketched the idea for the trash wheel on a napkin, and today his invention prevents hundreds of tons of trash from entering the Bay each year. Students also studied reef balls, dome-shaped structures placed on the bottom of the Bay to create habitats for oysters, fish, and other aquatic life, while also helping to stabilize shorelines. 

Now, our students are taking what they’ve learned and designing their own inventions to help protect the Bay. Inspired by real-world innovations, they are applying critical thinking and creativity to address challenges facing our waterways. 

Students will proudly showcase their culminating Chesapeake Bay projects during an upcoming Leadership Circle in October.   
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Finksburg, MD 21048-1823
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