City Springs’ 7th Grade & Terrapins in the Classroom

Every August, hatchling diamondback terrapin hatchlings are carefully collected from Poplar Island in the Chesapeake Bay by the National Aquarium. These tiny turtles join classrooms across Maryland to be raised, cared for, and observed in a fun, hands-on deep-dive lesson on biology, animal science, and conservation.

The National Aquarium’s Terrapins in the Classroom program brings Maryland students face to face with the Maryland state reptile, the diamondback terrapin. Middle School Scholars from City Springs Elementary/Middle School have been participating in this unique science program for several years.

On April 28, 2026, 7th grade students in Ms. Hughes’ science class bid a sad farewell to Tortellini, the diamondback terrapin they raised this school year. From fall to spring, these students, who are part of City Springs’ Green Team, cared for Tortellini, measured his growth monthly, and studied the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem before releasing him back into his natural habitat.