On-Line Lessons

You can explore Maryland through these Learning Adventures. Click on the highlighted topic below that you want to explore.

Teachers can find Lesson Plans and Worksheets for these lessons in the Faculty Room.

Several of the Maryland Explorations (marked ) include short audio or video samples. To listen or view the samples requires the QuickTime 5 player. A free QuickTime 5 player is available for both Mac OS and Windows. You can download it at the QuickTime web page.

Events

Baltimore and the War of 1812
You will decide whether it's better to be big, strong, and clumsy (like the British ships in the War of 1812), or small and agile (like American privateers). You will also play a special War Game.
Maryland Tea Parties
This is an inside look at the causes and forces at work that led to the famous "tea party" in Chester Town, MD, during the Revolutionary War.
Pirates on the Chesapeake!
John Paul Jones and Blackbeard - which was the pirate and which the privateer? A look at pirates on the Chesapeake during the Revolutionary War.
Maryland in the Civil War: Signaling an Invasion
How armies communicated during the Civil War that was fought in part on Maryland soil.
Old Pride to New Pride: Combating the Dangers at Sea
The original Pride of Baltimore tragically sank in 1986, but was soon followed by Pride II. Here is the inside story.

Special Groups

Maryland's Watermen: End of an Era
The lifestyle of Maryland's watermen (and women) has always added a special attraction and color to our state. But the era is ending for a variety of reasons. Find out why.
On the Block in Baltimore: From Slavery to Freedom
Follow the personal story of two brothers who are kidnapped from home in West Africa in the 18th century and brought to Baltimore on a slave ship. One is sold to a plantation owner and goes to work on a tobacco plantation in St. Mary's County. The other works as a blacksmith in a shop in Annapolis.
Maryland Indians: A Day in the Life of....
Native Americans depended on the many natural resources of the Chesapeake Bay region. Find out how they used these natural resources to make many products. Today, we still enjoy some foods cultivated by early Native Americans. Find out which ones.
Immigration to Baltimore, 1883: Rebecca Novitsky's Story
For decades, Baltimore was a gateway for waves of newcomers to America. Rebecca Novitsky, a mother and seamstress, came in 1883. Her story tells us a lot about the lives of many immigrants.

Archaeology

Ancient Treasure in the Back Yard: A Story about Archaeology
A visit to Jefferson Patterson Park opens the eyes of a youngster to the value of some "funny looking stuff" found while gardening in the front lawn.

Special Places

Maryland's First Capital: Discovering a Lost City
You can rediscover the size and shape of Maryland's original capital through archeology.
Disappearing Islands of the Chesapeake
Long ago there were many large islands in the Bay. Find out what happened to some of these islands over time.

Transportation

All Aboard! Trains In, Around, and Through Maryland
The first railroad in America, the Baltimore and Ohio, began in Baltimore in 1828. The B&O, now the mighty CSX, and other railroads helped to make our state grow. Listen to the sounds of Mountain Thunder chugging up the Appalachian Mountains.
The National Road: All Roads Led to Baltimore
President Washington wanted to build a road to Ohio, but he died too soon. President Thomas Jefferson had to do it for him. The National Road ended at Baltimore and helped make the Port of Baltimore, and Baltimore Clippers, world famous.
Canals vs. Railroads: The Transportation Race!
In the 19th century, railroads and canals competed fiercely to become the dominate mode of transportation. Of all the players in the competition, the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal (C&D) is the only one still in operation. Find out how it survived.
Shipbuilding on the Chesapeake - Maryland's First Industry
Throughout the age of sail, shipbuilders on Chesapeake Bay were leaders in designing and building ships to bring goods to people - from across the Bay and across the world.

Environmental Concerns

Chesapeake Bay: Great Basin of the East
Litter that you drop in your school yard is likely to end up being nibbled by ducks in Chesapeake Bay. Find out how this great bathtub connects all of Maryland.
Wetlands and their Inhabitants
To some, wetlands are just swamps and bogs. To the birds and wildlife that live there, wetlands are home. To all of us, wetlands are indispensable sources of life and richness.

Economic Factors

Life in the Canneries at the Turn of the Century
If you were 10 years old and a newcomer to America in 1900, you would probably spend your (long) days peeling tomatoes or snapping beans in a cannery rather than in school. Find out what life was like back then.
Wheat and Tobacco: Crops that Built a State
Between the Revolutionary War and 1840, the basis for Maryland's agricultural economy shifted from growing tobacco to growing wheat. Find out why and how it happened.
Westward Ho: Population Shifts between 1790 and 1830
Maryland's population moved west after the Wars of Independence. You can chart the movement and analyze the causes.

Just for Fun

Chesapeake Excursions: More than a Boat Ride
Examine ten excursions on Chesapeake Bay that have been offered to families over the years - from 1813 to 2000. You will use scientific methods to analyze which is the most efficient. Then decide which is the most fun.

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