Conservation Classroom is a collection of monthly lessons for learners in grades K-5 that connects students to animals and encourages wildlife conservation. Each lesson has four elements: wonder, engage, act, and connect. Join us for this special lesson as we visit the Smithsonian’s Environmental Research Center (SERC) to explore otters who live in the Chesapeake Bay. This program welcomes kindergarten through middle school students.

In the Exploring Ecosystems with Otters lesson, get curious as you wonder why scientists study poop, engage in a live virtual program to meet a special animal whose poop helps research, take a closer look at fish scales, and connect with a research technician with SERC  and a curator at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute!

This lesson and resources is sponsored by the Smithsonian Women's Committee.

SERC sits on the Rhode River of the Chesapeake Bay, and is home to an active population of river otters. These materials are related to the research that our Marine Disease Ecology lab  is doing, as well as the Chesapeake Bay River Otter Alliance (CBOA). You'll find videos and resources in this collection.