School Programs for 4th Grade Students Through Adults

Learn about one of the oldest living species of animals found on the Earth today. Find out how horseshoe crabs have evolved for over 350 million years! Students examine these living fossils and discover the important role they play in their environment and in our lives. Although they may look frightening they are some of the gentlest creatures in the Bay. The younger grades will create a horseshoe crab craft. Upper grades more thoroughly investigate the biology of horseshoe crabs and their uses in medical research.

At our site or yours, students are introduced to a variety of marine organisms typically found at the bottom of the Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The organisms of this estuary habitat to be examined may include mollusks (such as snails, clams and oysters), crustaceans (like the green crab or spider crab), as well as sea stars, horseshoe crabs and sea cucumbers!

Explore and compare the three major habitats along the shoreline of West Harbor: the freshwater Mill Creek, Beekman Beach and the salt marsh. Use dip nets to discover what plants and animals make these habitats their home. Identify adaptations used by these animals to move, eat and protect themselves. A touch tank of local marine life is provided for in-depth exploration. The program culminates with a discussion about the impact humans have and the choices we can make to help preserve the marine environment. This program is best at mid to low tide. Choose 1.5 or 2 hours. In the event of inclement weather indoor activities may be substituted for all or part of the program.

Students learn first-hand why the earliest European explorers chose the name Oyster Bay for this special estuary habitat, and how people past and present depend upon the oyster – an important part of New York State’s and Long Island's history and economy. Students discover and describe the life cycle of the oyster, its adaptations, and dependence upon the environment. In teams, students dissect an oyster to identify external and internal anatomy. A twenty-minute video, The Oyster in Oyster Bay, is sent to the teacher for students to view prior to their visit. The program can be adapted to meet the needs of the classroom curriculum. Excellent done with the Hatchery Tour.

Tour the hatchery of the only traditional shellfish cultivation and harvesting company in New York State, Frank M. Flowers & Sons. Learn of its 123 year history and how it currently produces approximately 90% of all oysters consumed in New York State each year. Students learn how the hatchery is able to accelerate the natural growth of oysters and clams to market size. Participants observe how the mollusk's food is cultured and how they are fed; how they grow and breed; and how aquaculture techniques are used to protect oysters from predators and diseases. This is a wonderful way to discover the oyster industry process from hatchery to harvest. Teachers are sent a twenty-minute video, The Oyster in Oyster Bay, for students to view prior to their visit. Excellent done along with The Oyster in Oyster Bay program.

What is ecology? Why is the health of a certain habitat so crucial to a species survival? Students work together to establish a basic understanding of the concepts of ecology. They observe organisms from Oyster Bay first-hand from a live touch tank and discover how they interact. Graphing skills are employed as students follow the history of the oyster and its changing population, with particular attention to the effects seeding and harvesting has had on other marine populations and the environment.

Perform an in-depth study of an estuarine ecosystem as curriculum enhancement for both the Biology and the Earth Sciences. Explore the area where freshwater flowing from the land meets salt water from the sea. Working in cooperative learning groups, students rotate through different stations and locations while examining, recording and comparing the water quality, geology and biodiversity of each site using techniques and equipment used for research and environmental assessment. Stations can include: seining, quadrate counts, beach profile to examine deposition/erosion, tidal flow examination, water quality testing, stream flow rate measurements, and sediment studies.

Amazing mysteries of plankton revealed! Students learn about methods for collecting plankton. Slide preparation, microscope skills and inquiry are the tools used in this hands-on investigation. Working in small groups, students identify characteristics and discuss the life history, ecology and classification of various species of plankton. The concluding discussion emphasizes the effects different ecological concerns have on plankton. A pre-visit preparation guide is sent to the classroom teacher upon registration.

Board our unique floating classroom, the historic 40-foot oyster sloop Christeen and become part of the crew. Students raise the sails and coil down lines as we set out for a scientific adventure on beautiful Oyster Bay. During the sail students learn about local maritime history, oyster farming and the estuary which has been designated a National Wildlife Refuge. Students rotate through activities including a touch tank of typical marine organisms found at the bottom of the bay and basic water quality testing or an introduction to plankton study. Other stations, such as navigation, aerodynamics, chemical research techniques or weather can be substituted depending on your classroom goals.

Board the oyster sloop Christeen for an exciting sailing experience and hands-on science activities. Participants relive the past becoming crew, raising the sails and coiling down lines. In small groups students also participate in a variety of learning stations at different locations on the estuary. A Coast Guard certified captain teaches navigation using a chart, compass and GPS, and the students help plot the ship's course. Students evaluate the water quality of the bay using professional equipment and discuss the importance of measuring dissolved oxygen, salinity, pH, turbidity and other parameters. We also collect and study plankton samples from Oyster Bay using different plankton tows. With microscopes and field guides on hand, students learn to identify different types of plankton and discuss their importance to the marine environment. By setting, hauling and culling through a traditional oyster dredge or exploring a touch tank, students examine organisms found at the bottom of the bay "up close and personal". Throughout the sail, educators incorporate the history of Long Island Sound and the oyster industry. Current environmental issues are discussed and students make connections with the possible impact of their own choices. Stations such as aerodynamics, chemistry techniques or weather can be substituted depending on your goals.

Any combination of a Beach Program, Kayaking, and/or Christeen Sail each activity's length and subject matter can be customized to fit your group's goals. Groups and classes can be coordinated for a full or half day whether part of the group spends their time kayaking and the other part of the group explores the beach and marshes. We can customize and tailor your visit to your exact specifications whether you want to learn more about tidal marsh lands, the inhabitants of the beach and creak or sail on the Christeen to take part in an oyster dredge or collect water samples. Larger groups can be divided into separate activities and then can come together during breaks and switch to participate in the alternate activity afterwards. The pricing and program availability depends on the programs selected and the age of your group.

Come and learn about alternative energy sources that are currently available and their applicable uses. Conduct experiments to see what works and try to come up with new and better concepts. Discuss the environmental ramifications of each energy source to come up with things that we can do now to help our global environment. Maybe you will discover the energy source that will successfully replace fossil fuels!

Though observation and experimentation learn about how everything around the globe is interrelated. See how water movement, weather and temperature are connected. Witness the effects of air and water on the earth.