School Programs & Field Trips

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***)

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.

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***)

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***)

 

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***)

 

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***)

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 for a fun craft to represent their time spent with us. *Recommended grades: K – 1st

Dates:	By arrangement, rain or shine
Time:	1.5 hours
Fee:	$120 up to 15 students ($8 per additional student, maximum 22 students***)

 

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. *Recommended grades: K - 1st

Dates:	By arrangement, rain or shine
Time:	1.5 hours
Fee:	$120 up to 15 students ($8 per additional student, maximum 22 students***)

 

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. *Recommended grades: K - 3rd

Dates:	By arrangement, rain or shine
Time:	1.5 hours
Fee:	$120 up to 15 students ($8 per additional student, maximum 22 students***)

 

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. *Recommended grades: 1st – 3rd Included: • 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***)

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 our environment and in our lives. Although they may look frightening they are some of the gentlest creatures in the bay. We investigate the biology of horseshoe crabs and their uses in medical research. *Recommended grades: 1st- 6th

Dates:	By arrangement, rain or shine
Time:	1.5 hours
Fee:	$120 up to 15 students ($8 per additional student, maximum 22 students***)

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!

*Recommended Grades: 1st - 6th

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***)

 

Three significant habitats exist at our site: fresh water, salt water, and marsh. Learn the important role each one plays individually and collectively in our marine ecology through exploration and discovery. Discover what plants and animals make these habitats their homes by means of netting to collect specimens for examination. We’ll even try to catch a glimpse of the illusive American Eel that resides in our fresh and brackish waters. *Recommended grades: 1st -6th Includes: • Seine and dip nets • Touch tank of local marine animals

Dates:	By arrangement, rain or shine
Time:	1.5 hours as described above
Fee:	$176 up to 22 students ($8 per additional student)
Time:	2 hours, add seining
Fee:	$220 up to 22 students ($10 per additional student)

Learn about the water cycle, water conservation and weather. Observe the process of condensation first hand through experimentation and exploration. Learn the differences between salt water and fresh water, and the adverse effects pollution has on our aquatic environment. To reinforce the lesson, a beach clean-up is conducted to model the integrity and responsibility needed to preserve a marine environment. *Recommended grades: 1st -3rd

Dates:	By arrangement, rain or shine
Time:	2 hours
Fee:	$220 up to 22 students ($10 per additional student)

Perform an in-depth study of an estuarine ecosystem. 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.
*Recommended grades: 4th- 6th
Can include:

• Seining
• Quadrate counts
• Beach profile to examine deposition/erosion
• Tidal flow examination
• Water quality testing
• Stream flow rate measurements
• Sediment studies
• Tidal rates observed

Dates:	By arrangement, rain or shine
Time:	2 to 6 hours depending on stations selected
Fee:	2 hours - $220 up to 22 students ($10 per additional student***) 2.5 hours - $264 up to 22 students ($12 per additional student***) 3 hours or more – please call to discuss the program and fees

Learn about the tiny organisms that represent the base of our marine food chain. This is a comprehensive program that not only explores the importance of plankton, but also includes the hands-on collecting and classifying. Students utilize scientific equipment to collect and observe specimens, and discuss the symbiotic relationship between plankton and water quality.

Recommended grades: 4th- 6th

Includes: • Plankton tow • Water quality testing • Microscope observation and classification

Dates:	By arrangement, rain or shine
Time:	2 hours
Fee:	$176 up to 22 students ($8 per additional student***)

This program can be customized and takes place aboard our floating classroom, the Christeen. Be part of an unforgettable marine learning experience while hoisting sails and gathering information about local maritime. Whether your group wants to explore a touch tank or conduct higher-level water quality research, we can meet your specific group needs.

*Recommended grades: 3rd- 6th

Can be requested: • Touch Tank • Navigation • Plankton tow • Water quality testing

Dates:	By arrangement; late April to early November
Time:	2 hours w/ 1 educator or 2.5 hours w/ up to 2 educators
Fee:	$375 (2 hrs. / 1 ed.) or $550 (2.5 hrs. / 2 eds.)

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! *Recommended grades: 1st - 6th May include: • Bivalves • Whelk snails • Sea stars • Hermit crab • Horseshoe crab • Spider crab • Sea cucumber • Red-bearded sponge

This is 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 its time kayaking and the other part of the group explores the beach and marshes * Recommended for large groups of any grade level *The pricing and program availability depend on the programs selected and the age of your group.

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 our environment and in our lives. Although they may look frightening they are some of the gentlest creatures in the bay. We investigate the biology of horseshoe crabs and their uses in medical research.

*Recommended grades: 7th- Adult

Dates:	By arrangement, rain or shine
Time:	1.5 hours
Fee:	$120 up to 15 students ($8 per additional student, maximum 22 students***)

Perform an in-depth study of an estuarine ecosystem. Explore the area where freshwater flowing from the land meets salt water from the sea. Working in cooperative learning groups, students rotate through different locations examining, recording and comparing the water quality, geology and biodiversity of each site using the techniques and equipment used for research and environmental assessment.

*Recommended grades: 7th-12th

Can include: • Quadrate counts • Beach profile to examine deposition/erosion • Tidal flow examination • Water quality testing • Stream flow rate measurements • Sediment studies • Tidal rates observed

Dates:	By arrangement, rain or shine
Time:	2 to 6 hours depending on stations selected
Fee:	2 hours - $220 up to 22 students ($10 per additional student***) 2.5 hours - $264 up to 22 students ($12 per additional student***) 3 hours or more – please call to discuss the program and fees

Learn about the tiny organisms that represent the base of our marine food chain. This is a comprehensive program that not only explores the importance of plankton, but also includes the hands-on collecting and classifying. Students utilize scientific equipment to collect and observe specimens, and discuss the symbiotic relationship between plankton and water quality.

Recommended Grades: 7th- 12th

Includes: • Plankton tow • Water quality testing • Microscope observation and classification

Dates:	By arrangement, rain or shine
Time:	Approximately 1.5 hours
Fee:	$176 up to 22 students ($8 per additional student***)

This program can be customized and takes place aboard our floating classroom, the Christeen. Be part of an unforgettable marine learning experience while hoisting sails and gathering information about local maritime. Whether your group wants to explore a touch tank, or conduct higher-level water quality research, we can meet your specific group needs.

*Recommended Grades: 7th -12th

Can be requested: • Navigation • Touch tank • Plankton tow • Water quality testing

Dates:	By arrangement, rain or shine
Time:	2 hours w/ 1 educator or 2.5 hours w/ up to 2 educators
Fee:	$375 (2 hrs. / 1 ed.) or $550 (2.5 hrs. / 2 eds.)

This is 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 its time kayaking and the other part of the group explores the beach and marsh. *Recommended grades: 7th- 12th *The pricing and program availability depends on the programs selected and the age of your group.