Our Environmental Education Center is following the vaccination requirements set by Key to NYC, therefore school programs are currently available with the following changes:
In-Person Field Trips to our Environmental Education Center are currently available for grades K-5. Most K-5 trips include an indoor and outdoor portion, please see below for further details.
Middle and High School groups can book a fully outdoor program, pending weather conditions.
Virtual Programs continue to be available for all grade levels.
LEARN MORE IN THE TABS BELOW.
Reach out to [email protected] with any questions. To receive updates on our programs and registration launches, join our mailing list here.
ABOUT SCHOOL PROGRAMS
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In-Person Field Trips
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.
*Important: the Environmental Education Center is following Key to NYC regulations and therefore all middle school and high school programs will take place completely outdoors.
E3: EXPLORATION, ECOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT (GRADES K-6)
Investigate the rich ecology of Brooklyn Bridge Park during a trip to the Conservancy’s Environmental Education Center. Students will visit four stations that focus on habitats and inhabitants of the park and the neighboring estuary. They will have an opportunity to interact with animals, make in-depth observations about featured organisms and explore our Discovery Station: an interactive display that highlights the Park’s ecology, history and sustainable features.
Location: Environmental Education Center
Teacher Resources: Pre-Lesson, Post-Lesson
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.
Location: Pier 5, Fully Outdoors
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.
Location: Begins inside Environmental Education Center, ends with walk on the Brooklyn Bridge.
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.
Location: Environmental Education Center, with brief outdoor experience.
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.
Location: Time is split between the Environmental Education Center and nearby Pebble Beach.
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.
Location: Environmental Education Center, with brief outdoor experience.
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.
Location: Pier 4 Beach, Fully Outdoors
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.
Location: Environmental Education Center, with an outdoor component.
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.
Location for WINTER/SPRING: Environmental Education Center, with brief outdoor experience.
Location for SUMMER/FALL: Pier 1, Fully Outdoors
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.
Location: Environmental Education Center, with an outdoor component.
Teacher Resources: Learning standards, Pre-Lesson Plan, Post-Lesson Plan
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Virtual Field Trips
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. -
Plan Your Visit
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.
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FAQ's
Click here for questions about registration.
Click here for questions about preparing or your trip.
Click here for COVID-19 safety procedures and protocols.
