School Programs for Pre-Kindergarten
Give your students the opportunity to explore North Shore marine life and help foster their curiosity, understanding and appreciation of the marine environment. These hands-on programs, with a focus on inquiry and discovery, were created by a New York State certified teacher to reinforce New York State Standards and the concepts needed for the State Assessment tests. Teachers can use these programs as a unique addition to a science unit, to make connections across different subject areas, or as a culminating experience to reinforce prior knowledge and curriculum. Our low student/teacher ration enables us to emphasize experiential learning. Many programs can be brought to your location whether school or local estuary for your convenience. Please contact us with any questions; and remember – most programs can be adapted to meet your specific needs.
Pre-Kindergarten Programs
Elementary School Programs
Secondary Education Programs
Research & Community Opportunities
Staff Development Opportunities
- Beach Day
- Birds of the Bay
- Stars of the Sound
- Sea Shells to Sea Creatures
- Horseshoe Crabs
- Touch Tank
Beach Day
Listen to a playful story and explore the exciting sights, sounds, smells and textures of the beach. Meet Barnacle Bear and learn how to stay healthy and safe at the beach while learning about some of the organisms that call it their home. Children go on a scavenger hunt to collect shells to create a fun craft to represent their time spent with us.
| Dates: | By arrangement, rain or shine |
| Time: | 1.5 hours |
| Fee: | $120 up to 15 students ($8 per additional student, maximum 22 students***) |
Fees and Cancellation Policies for Scouts, School Programs and Field Trips
Adherence to the following policies will help ensure the most enjoyable, highest quality and safest programs.
- A 50% deposit or a purchase order is required to secure and confirm all registrations.
- Deposits are refundable only up to 2 weeks prior to the program start date. After that deposits are non-refundable unless the WaterFront Center is unable to reschedule due to severe weather conditions. Last minute cancellations cannot be accepted.
- There will be a $25.00 processing fee for any changes in booking.
- There are a maximum number of participants and a minimum fee for each class.
- Our programs run in mildly inclement weather, so dress accordingly. "On the water" temperatures are usually colder.
- In the event of dangerous weather, as determined by our experienced staff, The WaterFront will do its best to reschedule your program. Please trust us to make this determination.
Adherence to the following policies will help ensure the most enjoyable, highest quality and safest programs.
- Activities are designed only for children 4 years and older as specified in the descriptions.
- Special needs classes of any age may not exceed 15 participants. In order to best serve your students, please the WaterFront Center staff of any special needs or concerns prior to the program.
- Teachers, Scout and Group Leaders are invited to attend.
- A maximum of 3 additional parents/chaperones are permitted in the classroom.
- Classroom space is limited so parents are encouraged to visit nearby establishments or enjoy a walk in the local area. Those choosing to remain in the classroom need to stay respectfully quiet during the program and act as role models, assisting as requested.
- If siblings are of an appropriate age for the program and fit within the maximum participant number, they may participate for the designated fee. Those not participating are requested to visit local establishments, enjoy a nice walk or go to the local park.
- All cell phones must be silenced for the duration of the program and all electronic devices must be stored away.
- Participants are asked to be attentive, respectful listeners and to cooperate and participate enthusiastically.
Birds of the Bay
Discover the world of aquatic birds that make estuaries on Long Island their homes. Listen to a story that explores bird characteristics and migration patterns. Find out why our resident mute swans are actually considered an invasive species. With binoculars, we take a beach walk to view any feathery friends that may make special guest appearances.
| Dates: | By arrangement, rain or shine |
| Time: | 1.5 hours |
| Fee: | $120 up to 15 students ($8 per additional student, maximum 22 students***) |
Fees and Cancellation Policies for Scouts, School Programs and Field Trips
Adherence to the following policies will help ensure the most enjoyable, highest quality and safest programs.
- A 50% deposit or a purchase order is required to secure and confirm all registrations.
- Deposits are refundable only up to 2 weeks prior to the program start date. After that deposits are non-refundable unless the WaterFront Center is unable to reschedule due to severe weather conditions. Last minute cancellations cannot be accepted.
- There will be a $25.00 processing fee for any changes in booking.
- There are a maximum number of participants and a minimum fee for each class.
- Our programs run in mildly inclement weather, so dress accordingly. "On the water" temperatures are usually colder.
- In the event of dangerous weather, as determined by our experienced staff, The WaterFront will do its best to reschedule your program. Please trust us to make this determination.
Adherence to the following policies will help ensure the most enjoyable, highest quality and safest programs.
- Activities are designed only for children 4 years and older as specified in the descriptions.
- Special needs classes of any age may not exceed 15 participants. In order to best serve your students, please the WaterFront Center staff of any special needs or concerns prior to the program.
- Teachers, Scout and Group Leaders are invited to attend.
- A maximum of 3 additional parents/chaperones are permitted in the classroom.
- Classroom space is limited so parents are encouraged to visit nearby establishments or enjoy a walk in the local area. Those choosing to remain in the classroom need to stay respectfully quiet during the program and act as role models, assisting as requested.
- If siblings are of an appropriate age for the program and fit within the maximum participant number, they may participate for the designated fee. Those not participating are requested to visit local establishments, enjoy a nice walk or go to the local park.
- All cell phones must be silenced for the duration of the program and all electronic devices must be stored away.
- Participants are asked to be attentive, respectful listeners and to cooperate and participate enthusiastically.
Stars of the Sound
Discover the reason why sea stars are not fish and learn about their unique and amazing abilities! Children enjoy listening to a story then get to meet and touch some of our own local “stars.” To support the text, children get to make and take home their own sea star craft that shows one of the adaptations they learned about during their visit.
| Dates: | By arrangement, rain or shine |
| Time: | 1.5 hours |
| Fee: | $120 up to 15 students ($8 per additional student, maximum 22 students***) |
Fees and Cancellation Policies for Scouts, School Programs and Field Trips
Adherence to the following policies will help ensure the most enjoyable, highest quality and safest programs.
- A 50% deposit or a purchase order is required to secure and confirm all registrations.
- Deposits are refundable only up to 2 weeks prior to the program start date. After that deposits are non-refundable unless the WaterFront Center is unable to reschedule due to severe weather conditions. Last minute cancellations cannot be accepted.
- There will be a $25.00 processing fee for any changes in booking.
- There are a maximum number of participants and a minimum fee for each class.
- Our programs run in mildly inclement weather, so dress accordingly. "On the water" temperatures are usually colder.
- In the event of dangerous weather, as determined by our experienced staff, The WaterFront will do its best to reschedule your program. Please trust us to make this determination.
Adherence to the following policies will help ensure the most enjoyable, highest quality and safest programs.
- Activities are designed only for children 4 years and older as specified in the descriptions.
- Special needs classes of any age may not exceed 15 participants. In order to best serve your students, please the WaterFront Center staff of any special needs or concerns prior to the program.
- Teachers, Scout and Group Leaders are invited to attend.
- A maximum of 3 additional parents/chaperones are permitted in the classroom.
- Classroom space is limited so parents are encouraged to visit nearby establishments or enjoy a walk in the local area. Those choosing to remain in the classroom need to stay respectfully quiet during the program and act as role models, assisting as requested.
- If siblings are of an appropriate age for the program and fit within the maximum participant number, they may participate for the designated fee. Those not participating are requested to visit local establishments, enjoy a nice walk or go to the local park.
- All cell phones must be silenced for the duration of the program and all electronic devices must be stored away.
- Participants are asked to be attentive, respectful listeners and to cooperate and participate enthusiastically.
Sea Shells to Sea Creatures
While listening to an enjoyable story about shells, children interact with the text using their senses to compare and contrast shells based on various properties such as size, shape, color and texture. This helps children begin the identification process before “shelling” in large tubs filled with sand and a variety of shells. A connection is then made from the non-living shells to living animals through a touch tank filled with some of our local marine animals.
Includes:
• Touch tank of local marine animals
| Dates: | By arrangement, rain or shine |
| Time: | 1.5 hours |
| Fee: | $120 up to 15 students ($8 per additional student, maximum 22 students***) |
Fees and Cancellation Policies for Scouts, School Programs and Field Trips
Adherence to the following policies will help ensure the most enjoyable, highest quality and safest programs.
- A 50% deposit or a purchase order is required to secure and confirm all registrations.
- Deposits are refundable only up to 2 weeks prior to the program start date. After that deposits are non-refundable unless the WaterFront Center is unable to reschedule due to severe weather conditions. Last minute cancellations cannot be accepted.
- There will be a $25.00 processing fee for any changes in booking.
- There are a maximum number of participants and a minimum fee for each class.
- Our programs run in mildly inclement weather, so dress accordingly. "On the water" temperatures are usually colder.
- In the event of dangerous weather, as determined by our experienced staff, The WaterFront will do its best to reschedule your program. Please trust us to make this determination.
Adherence to the following policies will help ensure the most enjoyable, highest quality and safest programs.
- Activities are designed only for children 4 years and older as specified in the descriptions.
- Special needs classes of any age may not exceed 15 participants. In order to best serve your students, please the WaterFront Center staff of any special needs or concerns prior to the program.
- Teachers, Scout and Group Leaders are invited to attend.
- A maximum of 3 additional parents/chaperones are permitted in the classroom.
- Classroom space is limited so parents are encouraged to visit nearby establishments or enjoy a walk in the local area. Those choosing to remain in the classroom need to stay respectfully quiet during the program and act as role models, assisting as requested.
- If siblings are of an appropriate age for the program and fit within the maximum participant number, they may participate for the designated fee. Those not participating are requested to visit local establishments, enjoy a nice walk or go to the local park.
- All cell phones must be silenced for the duration of the program and all electronic devices must be stored away.
- Participants are asked to be attentive, respectful listeners and to cooperate and participate enthusiastically.
Horseshow Crabs - Our Living Fossils
One of the oldest, gentlest living species of animals found on earth today, horseshoe crabs surprisingly aren’t really true crabs at all. Find out what kind of species they are more realistically compared to and why. Horseshoe crabs are not only designed to stand the test of time, but are actually being used in medicine to help keep us healthier. You can thank one in person when you get to handle and learn about our remarkable living fossils.
| Dates: | By arrangement, rain or shine |
| Time: | 1.5 hours |
| Fee: | $120 up to 15 students ($8 per additional student, maximum 22 students***) |
Fees and Cancellation Policies for Scouts, School Programs and Field Trips
Adherence to the following policies will help ensure the most enjoyable, highest quality and safest programs.
- A 50% deposit or a purchase order is required to secure and confirm all registrations.
- Deposits are refundable only up to 2 weeks prior to the program start date. After that deposits are non-refundable unless the WaterFront Center is unable to reschedule due to severe weather conditions. Last minute cancellations cannot be accepted.
- There will be a $25.00 processing fee for any changes in booking.
- There are a maximum number of participants and a minimum fee for each class.
- Our programs run in mildly inclement weather, so dress accordingly. "On the water" temperatures are usually colder.
- In the event of dangerous weather, as determined by our experienced staff, The WaterFront will do its best to reschedule your program. Please trust us to make this determination.
Adherence to the following policies will help ensure the most enjoyable, highest quality and safest programs.
- Activities are designed only for children 4 years and older as specified in the descriptions.
- Special needs classes of any age may not exceed 15 participants. In order to best serve your students, please the WaterFront Center staff of any special needs or concerns prior to the program.
- Teachers, Scout and Group Leaders are invited to attend.
- A maximum of 3 additional parents/chaperones are permitted in the classroom.
- Classroom space is limited so parents are encouraged to visit nearby establishments or enjoy a walk in the local area. Those choosing to remain in the classroom need to stay respectfully quiet during the program and act as role models, assisting as requested.
- If siblings are of an appropriate age for the program and fit within the maximum participant number, they may participate for the designated fee. Those not participating are requested to visit local establishments, enjoy a nice walk or go to the local park.
- All cell phones must be silenced for the duration of the program and all electronic devices must be stored away.
- Participants are asked to be attentive, respectful listeners and to cooperate and participate enthusiastically.
Touch Tank
Students are introduced to a variety of marine organisms typically found at the bottom of the Oyster Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Did you know that a sea cucumber will throw- up its insides as a defense mechanism to ward off predators or that a whelk snail could repair its own shell if it gets damaged? There are so many interesting facts to learn about these special animals!
May include:
• Bivalves
• Whelk snails
• Sea stars
• Hermit crab
• Horseshoe crab
• Spider crab
• Sea cucumber
• Red-bearded sponge
| Dates: | By arrangement, rain or shine |
| Time: | Approximately 1 hour |
| Fee: | $125 up to 22 students ($8 per additional student, maximum 22 students***) |
Fees and Cancellation Policies for Scouts, School Programs and Field Trips
Adherence to the following policies will help ensure the most enjoyable, highest quality and safest programs.
- A 50% deposit or a purchase order is required to secure and confirm all registrations.
- Deposits are refundable only up to 2 weeks prior to the program start date. After that deposits are non-refundable unless the WaterFront Center is unable to reschedule due to severe weather conditions. Last minute cancellations cannot be accepted.
- There will be a $25.00 processing fee for any changes in booking.
- There are a maximum number of participants and a minimum fee for each class.
- Our programs run in mildly inclement weather, so dress accordingly. "On the water" temperatures are usually colder.
- In the event of dangerous weather, as determined by our experienced staff, The WaterFront will do its best to reschedule your program. Please trust us to make this determination.
Adherence to the following policies will help ensure the most enjoyable, highest quality and safest programs.
- Activities are designed only for children 4 years and older as specified in the descriptions.
- Special needs classes of any age may not exceed 15 participants. In order to best serve your students, please the WaterFront Center staff of any special needs or concerns prior to the program.
- Teachers, Scout and Group Leaders are invited to attend.
- A maximum of 3 additional parents/chaperones are permitted in the classroom.
- Classroom space is limited so parents are encouraged to visit nearby establishments or enjoy a walk in the local area. Those choosing to remain in the classroom need to stay respectfully quiet during the program and act as role models, assisting as requested.
- If siblings are of an appropriate age for the program and fit within the maximum participant number, they may participate for the designated fee. Those not participating are requested to visit local establishments, enjoy a nice walk or go to the local park.
- All cell phones must be silenced for the duration of the program and all electronic devices must be stored away.
- Participants are asked to be attentive, respectful listeners and to cooperate and participate enthusiastically.
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