This multidisciplinary, self-contained curriculum unit focuses on the management of the Chesapeake Bay, a threatened and complex environmental system. Major unit goals include identifying and analyzing conflicting interests, issues, and public policies concerning the Bay, and determining their effects on people and the environment. The unit includes a teacher's guide which provides a unit overview and the purpose, list of materials needed, and procedures for 12 activities. Also included are appendices, student materials, a data bank (which consists of topics related to the Bay's environmental setting and natural resources, and the various human uses and impacts). The appendices include: a cross reference to data bank topics and issues; script for a slide/tape presentation about the Bay; descriptions of 20 Bay-related environmental issues (such as commercial shipping, recreational boating, beach access, and shore erosion); history and purpose of environmental impact statements; and other materials. Although designed for high school science and social science courses (such as general/advanced biology, United States government, and environmental studies), the unit can be adapted with slight modification to meet the interests and needs of gifted and talented middle school students. In addition, citizen groups could readily use the materials to enhance their decision-making skills. (JN)