Endangered Species
Renewable Energy
Invasive Species
Pollution
Careers
100
This large, aquatic bird, once abundant along the Chesapeake Bay, is now endangered due to habitat loss and pollution.
What is the Bald Eagle?
100
This device, often associated with wind energy, has been used for centuries to convert wind into mechanical power, such as for pumping water or grinding grain.
What is a windmill?
100
This large, burrowing rodent, originally from South America, has caused significant damage to wetland ecosystems in Maryland and is considered a major invasive species.
What is the Nutria?
100
This type of pollution occurs when harmful gases, like carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide, are released into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change and smog.
What is air pollution?
100
This professional monitors air and water quality, ensuring that pollution levels stay within safe limits.
What is an Environmental Scientist?
200
This bird, known for its striking red plumage, is threatened in Maryland due to habitat loss, especially in forested wetlands.
What is the Baltimore Oriole?
200
These devices, typically installed on rooftops, convert sunlight directly into electricity using photovoltaic cells.
What are solar panels?
200
This non-native mollusk, which reproduces rapidly, poses a significant threat to Maryland’s native aquatic species by outcompeting them for resources.
What is the Zebra Mussel?
200
This greenhouse gas, primarily released by human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation, is the main driver of climate change.
What is carbon dioxide (CO2)?
200
This career involves studying and working to conserve wildlife and their habitats, often working with endangered species.
What is a Wildlife Biologist?
300
This venomous snake, found in Maryland’s forests and woodlands, is endangered due to habitat loss and human encroachment, and is known for its distinctive rattle.
What is the Timber Rattlesnake?
300
This renewable energy comes from the heat stored within the Earth, often used for heating buildings or generating electricity in power plants.
What is geothermal energy?
300
This colorful, winged insect, native to Asia, has become a major pest in Maryland, feeding on trees like the Tree of Heaven and affecting crops like grapes.
What is the Spotted Lanternfly?
300
This type of pollution occurs when harmful substances like chemicals, plastics, or waste materials contaminate the ground and soil, negatively affecting ecosystems and human health.
What is land pollution?
300
This career involves studying how organisms interact with their environment and working to preserve ecosystems through research and conservation.
What is an Ecologist?
400
This small, hard-shelled turtle is found in the Chesapeake Bay region and is listed as endangered due to habitat destruction and human disturbance.
What is the Diamondback Terrapin?
400
This renewable fuel, made from vegetable oils or animal fats, can be used in engines for vehicles.
What is biodiesel?
400
Often called "the vine that ate the South", this fast-growing plant can spread up to 1 foot per day and is known for smothering trees and native plants.
What is Kudzu?
400
This type of pollution, caused by excessive artificial lighting, makes it difficult to see stars in urban areas and disrupts both human sleep patterns and wildlife behavior.
What is light pollution?
400
This professional develops and oversees systems for reducing, recycling, and safely disposing of waste materials, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
What is a Waste Management Specialist?
500
This endangered fish, famous for its prehistoric appearance, migrates from the Chesapeake Bay to freshwater rivers to spawn.
What is the Atlantic Sturgeon?
500
The United States’ largest source of renewable energy comes from this, a natural resource that powers everything from turbines to your morning shower.
What is hydropower or hydroelectric energy?
500
This invasive insect, known for its destructive feeding habits, has caused widespread damage to hardwood trees like oak and ash in Maryland.
What is the Emerald Ash Borer?
500
This quirky, water-powered device located in Baltimore helps clean up trash from the city's harbor by collecting debris floating in the water.
What is Mr. Trash Wheel?
500
This professional works to protect natural habitats and wildlife, focusing on preserving biodiversity and managing natural resources.
What is a Conservationist?