Who Poisoned Rocky Rockfish?
An Eco-Whodunnit!
About our Show!
Poor Rocky Rockfish has been killed!! Who
is responsible? That’s for you to decide! In
this mysterious and interactive play students
will become the jury responsible for determining the culprit of Rocky Rockfish’s murder! Students will do this by using evidence
presented and testimony provided by the suspects. Who could resist learning the tale of how a healthy, strong Rockfish
was found dead in a drain, while learning about how pollution affects animals that live in the Chesapeake Bay!?
The Chesapeake Bay
The Chesapeake Bay is located within Maryland and Virginia. This bay has over 150 major
rivers and streams flowing into it! These rivers flow into six different states: New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware,
Maryland, Virginia,
West Virginia, and D.C.
The Chesapeake Bay is
approximately 200 miles
long, 2.8 miles wide at
it’s narrowest point, and
30 miles wide at its largest point. This is a beautiful bay, which unfortunately in recent years
has become emptier with
fewer crabs and oysters.
Did you know?
Here are a few facts to help you prepare to solve this scientific
mystery!
1) Do you know what an ichthyologist is? Well, an ichthyologist studies all kinds fish!
Isaac Ichthyologist studies Rockfish and has recently been studying Rocky Rockfish because he is so big and strong. The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC)
has many scientists that study how fish grow, behave, and move throughout the Chesapeake Bay. Some of the species of fish that SERC scientists study are: silversides, herring, perch, blue catfish, and many more! Here are what some of those fish look like!
silverside
blue catfish
herring
2) What’s pollution? Pollution is something
in the environment that weakens the health of
the ecosystem. A large source of pollution in
the Chesapeake Bay is from fertilizers that we
use to keep our grass green and plants growing. Rain water carries the excess fertilizers
from our lawns to storm drains which lead to
the waters of the Bay. Fertilizers contain
chemicals that increase the growth of algae in
the water. Algae are plant-like organisms
that floats near the surface of the water. Too
much algae takes away sunlight from other plants, like sea grasses, in the water. Sea
grasses provide food and shelter for fish and crustaceans, like blue crabs. Without sea
grasses, many animals lose their habitat and food source! Too much algae also reduces the
amount of oxygen in the water during the night, making it difficult for Rocky Rockfish to
breathe.
3) Who are the Suspects in Rocky Rockfish’s murder?
a. The first suspect is Hot Water Harry! Hot Water Harry claims to be a cool guy that
everyone likes. But we know better than to believe him! Hot water holds less oxygen
than cold water, meaning Rocky Rockfish has more difficulty getting oxygen in hotter waters. It appears Rocky Rockfish would certainly be no fan of Hot Water Harry!
b. The second suspect is Danielle Debris! Danielle Debris claims she loves fish, but her
actions don’t match up with her words. Her debris pollutes the waters Rocky rockfish
swims in. She traps fish, turtles, and crabs in her plastic strips. She sure doesn't sound
like a friend to Rocky Rockfish!
c. Our last suspect is Gary Gas! Gary Gas came in the form of carbon dioxide the night
Rocky Rockfish was killed. Carbon dioxide displaces the oxygen in the water, making it more difficult for Rocky Rockfish to breathe. Gary Gas claims to have not
known that carbon dioxide isn’t good for fish, but is he telling the truth?
How can you help?
1) Recycle!- here are three ways that recycling helps the environment:
1. Recycling helps minimize pollution. When we reduce waste, reuse and recycle our
garbage from used plastic bottles, disposable cups and utensils paper, and other plastic
products, we get to save the earth and even millions of
lives from the harmful effects of pollution!
2. Recycling helps preserve our natural resources. If we
recycle paper products such as newspapers and books, we
can save more trees on earth!
3. Recycling saves energy. It takes less energy to process
recycled materials then it does to process materials such
as wood. This will also help with decreasing pollution!
2) Don’t use fertilizers! One of the largest sources of pollution are from fertilizers that we
use to keep our grass green and plants growing. Fertilizers contain chemicals that increase
the growth of algae in the water. Algae is a plant that floats on the surface of the water.
Too much algae takes away sunlight from other plants in the water. It also reduces the
amount of oxygen, making it difficult for animals to breathe at night.
3) Drive less in the car! Cars emit greenhouse gasses, such as carbon dioxide, which contribute to global warming. By taking a bus or riding a bike, you can help stop global warming!
For more information visit:
www.serc.si.edu