School Programs
The Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy’s education program (K-12) has served over 10,000 students from over 150 schools and institutions since 2008. The program uses the park as a laboratory for hands-on investigation, incorporating inquiry based and experiential learning into lessons that meet both New York State and New York City education standards.
If you are a teacher who would like to register for one of our programs, please click here.
GREAT BROOKLYN BRIDGE (GRADES 2-3 & 4-8)
Immerse yourself in the dramatic history of how the bridge was built and forever changed the industrial and residential landscape of Brooklyn. Students explore basic bridge engineering concepts and walk to the first tower of the ridge for an educational scavenger hunt or activity. The class is offered in collaboration with City Science.
LIVING ON THE EDGE (GRADES 4-8)
Investigate the habitats and adaptations of organisms in the area between high and low tide. Students learn the parts and functions of algae and create a simple plant press for sampling. They also collect animal specimens from the coastline and learn about their habitat through a fun and interactive game.
READING ROCKS (GRADES 2-3)
Review rock categorization and learn the stories of their formations. Armed with new observational skills, students use Pier 1 as a living laboratory to explore and identify local rocks and learn about the geological history of NYC.
ROVE THE COVE (GRADES K-3 & 4-8)
Explore the Hudson River estuary and tidal strait. Students investigate and assess the health of the East River by observing, gathering samples, and performing simple water tests. They analyze specimens and discuss habitat, characteristics, properties and environmental adaptations.
SEINING THE RIVER WILD (ALL AGES)
Discover the underwater world of the East River. Instructors drag a 20-foot seine net along the bottom of the river bed to catch, identify and release fish and invertebrates. Students over the age of 14, with prior permission and signed waivers, receive instruction and an opportunity to work the nets.
*limited availability, offered only at low tide.
SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPE (GRADES 5-8)
Examine the sustainable and green design of the park including water conservation, on-site solar energy generation, ecological initiatives, and material reuse. A guided tour is embedded with activities and challenges for students that promote a deeper understanding of these innovative concepts.
TREES OF BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK (GRADES K-1)
Learn basic tree anatomy and use age-appropriate field guides to explore and identify the diverse tree species of Pier 1. Students use observation and scientific tools to estimate tree age, height and leaf patterns.
WEATHER ON THE WATER (GRADES K-1)
Use Pier 1’s waterfront location to explore attributes of weather. Students use simple maps, scavenger hunts, water tests, and construct their own instruments to help understand weather patterns and the water cycle. The class is tailored to address weather conditions of the day.
The Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy and Brooklyn Bridge Park would like to thank the Beautiful Earth Group for the generous donation of the New York Center for Sustainable Energy (NYCSE). This small off-grid complex on Pier 1 is made from three used shipping containers that house an EV charging station for park maintenance and security vehicles and is the home base for many of the classes offered throughout the year.
