Register here for in-person field trips!

Each class is 85 minutes long and can accommodate a maximum of 35 students. The cost for each class is $125 plus a $7.50 booking fee. A limited number of fee waivers are available. To inquire if you qualify please email the Education Department ([email protected]). For more details about program registration and expectations, visit our FAQ section.

If our calendar does not have a program on a date that works for you, feel free to reach out to [email protected], as we may be able to accommodate program requests.

THE AWESOME OYSTER (Grades 2-8)

Examine the history of New York Harbor’s keystone species: the eastern oyster. Through hands-on investigation, students use the oyster gardens at Brooklyn Bridge Park to investigate East River habitat. Students will encounter the various species that reside in an oyster garden, take scientific measurements, and discover the oyster’s historical and ecological importance to the New York Harbor.

Teacher Resources: Learning standards, Pre-Lesson Plan, Post-Lesson Plan

GREAT BROOKLYN BRIDGE (GRADES 2-8)

Immerse yourself in the dramatic history and innovative design of the bridge that changed the Brooklyn landscape. Students explore basic bridge engineering concepts and walk to the first tower of the bridge, weather permitting, for an activity.

Teacher Resources: Learning standards, Pre-Lesson Plan, Post-Lesson Plan

READING ROCKS (GRADES 2-3)

Dig into how rocks are formed and discover the many types of rocks found in the park.

Teacher Resources: Learning standards, Pre-Lesson Plan, Post-Lesson Plan

ROVE THE COVE (GRADES K-8)

Explore the East River estuary and tidal strait. Students investigate and assess the health of the East River by observing, gathering samples, and performing simple water tests. While analyzing specimens, students discuss habitat, characteristics, and environmental adaptations of local organisms.

Teacher Resources: Learning standards, Pre-Lesson Plan, Post-Lesson Plan

PLANKTON AND POLLUTION (GRADES 4-12)

What’s in the East River water? Is it a healthy place for marine life? Educators will collect water samples and examine the water quality by conducting a series of water chemistry tests, such as temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and pH. Students will also have the opportunity to see water samples under a microscope and search for plankton, as well as pollution.

Teacher Resources: Pre-Lesson Plan

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. With prior permission and signed waivers, students over the age of 14 receive instruction and an opportunity to work the nets.

Teacher Resources: Learning standards, Pre-Lesson Plan (K-3), Post-Lesson Plan (K-3), Pre-Lesson Plan (4-8)

SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPES (GRADES 5-12)

Examine the sustainable and green design of the park including water conservation, 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.

Teacher Resources: Learning standards, Pre-Lesson Plan, Post-Lesson Plan

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 in the park. Students use observation and scientific tools to estimate tree age, diameter, and circumference.

Teacher Resources: Learning standards, Pre-Lesson Plan, Post-Lesson Plan

WEATHER ON THE WATER (GRADES K-1)

Use the park’s waterfront location to explore attributes of weather. Students use simple weather tools, scavenger hunts, and interactive activities to help understand weather patterns and the water cycle. The class is tailored to address weather conditions of the day.

Teacher Resources: Learning standards, Pre-Lesson Plan, Post-Lesson Plan

Virtual Programs are available on request basis. Please contact [email protected] to inquire.

E3: Exploration, Ecology, and the Environment
Grades Pre-K – 2 | 45 minutes
Receive an introduction to local terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems of Brooklyn Bridge Park. Students will have close-up views of our favorite Ed Center creatures, with plenty of time for Q&A on animal adaptations, diet, and habitat.

The Awesome Oyster
Grades 2 – 8 | 60 minutes
Learn about the importance of oysters as a keystone species in NY Harbor and research efforts in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Students will get an up-close look at living oysters and other marine organisms through our microscope hook-up!

Plankton and Pollution
Grades 4 – 12 | 45 minutes
What’s in the East River water? Is it a healthy place for marine life? Educators will collect water samples and examine the water quality by conducting a series of water chemistry tests, such as temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and pH. Students will also have the opportunity to see water samples under a microscope and search for plankton, as well as pollution.

Download and print our School Program Orientation packet to prepare for your visit.

WHERE TO MEET

Meeting locations vary based on program and season. Please carefully review the map and relay the specified address to drivers and navigators.

PREPARING YOUR STUDENTS

Access info about pre/post lessons.

Review our Education Program Policies.

Click here for questions about registration.

Click here for questions about preparing or your trip.

Click here for COVID-19 safety procedures and protocols.