Two smiling students in life vests reviewing data on a laptop aboard a boat, one holding an Earth globe

Student in a life vest perched on the rail of a NYC Department of Education boat

Two Harbor School students in safety goggles cutting wood with a jigsaw in a workshop

Woman in a life vest hauling a mud-covered oyster research station from the water

Educator sharing harbor field photos with middle school students in a classroom

education

Since 2014, over

66,134

students and

1,288

teachers have experienced the Harbor with us.

education overview

INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION OF HARBOR STEWARDS

We believe students protect what they feel connected to. By bringing learning beyond the classroom and getting outside, we help young New Yorkers build a lifelong relationship with the New York Harbor.

curriculum

We’ve created 80+ classroom-tested, trusted lessons built around New York Harbor. These custom-crafted materials bring real harbor science into the classroom through hands-on, place-based learning.

Standalone Lessons

Quick-entry, single lessons designed for flexible classroom use. These ready-to-teach resources bring New York Harbor science into 1-3 class periods. Grade-level appropriate versions for K-12 classrooms support teachers in using oysters as a context for teaching common content.

Full Curriculum Units

Sequential, multi-lesson investigations designed for deeper STEM inquiry. Each three-dimensional, NGSS-aligned unit uses oysters or New York Harbor as the anchoring phenomenon, guiding students through hands-on exploration of multiple standards and concepts. Units align with NYC’s Science Scope and Sequence, and can be integrated into or taught in place of core curricula like Amplify.

Browse the full curriculum

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professional learning

We provide training to support teachers’ professional growth. Teachers earn CTLE credit while building the skills to bring real-world science into their classrooms.

Introducing Educators to Billion Oyster Project

An informative session highlighting a variety of ways for teachers and students to get involved with Billion Oyster Project’s work.

Curriculum Workshops

A la carte, in-person or virtual, participatory events for teachers to dive into curricular resources, gain new content, support pedagogical development, and build connections with other Billion Oyster Project teachers.

Teaching Outdoors

Teachers practice waterfront learning stations, learn field-teaching best practices, and explore Billion Oyster Project's outdoor lesson plans.

explore all educator events

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No upcoming sessions scheduled

oyster research programs

We provide teachers and students the opportunity to get hands-on with live oysters both in the Harbor and in the classroom all while contributing to our restoration efforts.

Oyster Research Station Program

An ORS is a small underwater structure installed at permitted sites across New York Harbor. Each station holds oysters and the marine life that naturally settles among them. Students and trained teachers monitor oyster growth, biodiversity, and ecosystem health, contributing data directly to our restoration efforts.

Oyster Research Tank Program

The ORT program allows teachers and students to set up and monitor a live oyster tank directly in their classroom. Students track water quality indicators such as ammonia and dissolved oxygen, study oyster growth and mortality, and conduct real scientific inquiry.

explore research programs

➞

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outdoors

Field Expeditions

Through guided experiences along the water, students can collect data, handle real materials, and take part in active restoration work. These programs are co-planned to meet the needs of any group of students.

indoors

Classroom Workshops

Bringing the harbor into the classroom, students connect oysters to what they are learning and explore how oysters strengthen New York Harbor. These NGSS-aligned, hands-on lessons can be modified to meet the needs of any classroom.

indoors

New York Harbor School Tours

By visiting the high school on Governors Island, students can see how others are engaging in long-term, career-connected learning tied to marine science and waterfront industries, and learn how to apply.

about group experiences

➞

Meeting all the wonderful people at BOP. I enjoyed being outside, helping with their work, and doing field work!

Anonymous

Volunteer

•

2023

Volunteers stacking crates of recycled oyster shells beside a towering shell pile

annual student symposium

We celebrate teachers and students and give students the opportunity to share their inquiry-based projects with our ever-growing community of supportive and enthusiastic partners.

about the symposium

➞

Worker in a Billion Oyster Project hard hat climbing a mountain of recycled oyster shells

+

working together since 2014

We were born inside a public high school with the belief that students should actively participate in environmental stewardship.

Nestled on Governors Island in the heart of New York Harbor, The Urban Assembly New York Harbor School—Harbor School for short—offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Through its eight state and industry-certified Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, students build real-world skills that open doors to both college and blue/green careers. Students learn about environmental and maritime work in addition to actively participating in it.

Through a close partnership with Billion Oyster Project, students gain a firsthand understanding of what it takes to restore New York Harbor’s once-thriving oyster population. Students get unparalleled access to field science, ecological data, and marine habitat restoration efforts.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HARBOR SCHOOL

➞

workforce development

giving students technical expertise & real-world experience

Each Career and Technical Education (CTE) program at Harbor School is directly connected to the Harbor and the industries that surround it.

Two scuba divers inspecting a cage of mature oysters underwater

Aquaculture

Students learn how to grow and manage aquatic species, with a focus on oyster cultivation and restoration. This includes hatchery work, water quality monitoring, and maintaining reef systems across the harbor.

Students in life vests measuring oysters with calipers beneath the Manhattan Bridge

Marine Biology Research

Focused on field science and data collection, students study marine ecosystems through their own, hands-on research. They conduct experiments, track biodiversity, and contribute to ongoing scientific understanding of New York Harbor.

Marine Affairs

Students explore the intersection of science, policy, and community impact. They learn how environmental decisions are made, engage in advocacy work, and develop the skills to communicate and influence change.

Harbor School students testing an underwater robot in an indoor tank

Ocean Engineering

This program centers on designing and building tools for marine environments. Students work on projects like underwater robotics, fabrication, and engineering solutions that support research and restoration.

Student in a life vest emptying a mucky oyster cage into a bin at the waterfront

Professional Diving

Students train in scientific and commercial diving, gaining certifications and unique experiences working underwater with professional divers. They support reef installations, data collection, and maintenance below the surface.

Harbor School students in life vests aboard training vessels in New York Harbor

Vessel Operations

Focused on maritime navigation and seamanship, students learn to operate boats safely and effectively. This includes piloting vessels used for research, restoration, and transportation across the harbor.

Crew in life vests tending floating oyster cages from a small workboat

Marine Systems Technology

Students develop skills in maintaining and repairing marine engines and onboard systems. This program prepares them for technical careers that keep maritime operations running.

Welding & Fabrication

A highly technical, hands-on trade program where students learn metal fabrication and structural welding. These skills are applied to building and maintaining the infrastructure used in harbor restoration and maritime work.

We're on a mission to reach one million students by 2030

Our goal is bigger than participation alone. We are measuring whether students are building lasting connections to the harbor and seeing themselves as part of it. This work is to build environmental literacy for the next generation, and a sense of agency over the future of the city’s restoration

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This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant Number NSF EHR DRL 1440869/1759006/1839656, PI Lauren Birney. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

education

INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION OF HARBOR STEWARDS

CURRICULUM

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

oyster research programs

school group experiences

annual student symposium

workforce development

Teachers, explore our Educator Portal

curriculum

Standalone Lessons

Full Curriculum Units

professional learning

Introducing Educators to Billion Oyster Project

Curriculum Workshops

Teaching Outdoors

oyster research programs

Oyster Research Station Program

Oyster Research Tank Program

Want to become a BOP Schools Teacher?

school group experiences

Field Expeditions

Classroom Workshops

New York Harbor School Tours

Meeting all the wonderful people at BOP. I enjoyed being outside, helping with their work, and doing field work!

annual student symposium

working together since 2014

giving students technical expertise & real-world experience

Interested in joining the Harbor School?

We're on a mission to reach one million students by 2030

DONATE NOW

Thank you — your gift is on the reef

Aw, shucks — that didn't go through

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