Discover the importance of restoring historic eastern oyster populations in the Hudson River Estuary and how these beneficial bivalves support biodiversity in local waterways. Students assume the role of field scientists as they examine how to collect data from living oysters and their environmental conditions.
Grades 9–12
Program Objectives:
- Students will define and identify the ecological significance of an Estuary
- Students will identify at least one water quality parameter of the Estuary
- Students will identify the ecological benefits that oysters provide the Hudson River
- Students will learn how oyster restoration is conducted at the Park
In-person Participation Information:
- Student Capacity: 15 students
- Cost: $200 (waivers available upon demonstration of need)
- Teacher chaperones: One chaperone is required for every 10 students (1:10 ratio) at minimum
Program Activities:
- Brackish Water Demonstration
- Wetlab Tour
- Oyster Monitoring
- Water Quality
What Teachers Say about the Program:
- “The material taught in [Oysters & Water Quality] was advanced for my students. It was a topic that they had never been exposed to before. Despite the difficulty of the topic, the educators were able to break down the content and make it easy to understand. It was engaging and interesting for the students.” —11th Grade Teacher, Staten Island
