Explore various sources of water pollution in NYC and learn more about our connection to the health of local waterways. Students will observe the inner workings of NYC’s combined sewer system, build water filters and discuss ways to support local conservation.

Program Objectives:
Students will be able to define and identify the ecological significance of an Estuary
Students will be able to identify basic elements of NYC’s waste water treatment process
Students will be able to identify ways in which they can reduce water pollution
Students will be able to define plastics and their impact on the environment

In this program, students investigate the impacts of climate change on our atmosphere and shorelines. Sea level rise is one of the ongoing effects of climate change that has major implications for New York City’s 520 miles of shoreline. This program will introduce students to the delicate balance of the carbon cycle and challenge them to engineer solutions to our rising tides. This program occurs in the Pier 57 Discovery Tank, a climate controlled indoor space.

Program Objectives:
Students will be able to define weather and climate
Students will be able to explore global and local impacts of climate change
Students will be able to understand the difference between climate mitigation and adaptation
Students will be able to discuss the carbon cycle, how it impacts our ecosystem and methods of reducing their own carbon footprints

The Hudson River is a diverse ecosystem – home to over 230 species of fish, including striped bass and seahorses. Life in the Hudson: Fish introduces students to the local species in the Hudson River Estuary through hands-on activities in our Pier 57 Discovery Tank. The Discovery Tank is an interactive gallery and classroom with a series of engaging games focused on our local waterways.

Program Objectives:
Students will be able to define and identify the ecological significance of an estuary
Students will be able to identify fish and various other organisms in the Hudson River
Students will be able to identify adaptations fish use to survive in the Hudson River
Students will be able to define ways they can contribute to the health of the Hudson River and its wildlife

Just one drop of Hudson River water holds multitudes of drifting plants and animals called plankton. In this program, students learn why plankton are vital to the Estuary ecosystem through interactive microscope activities. This program occurs in the Pier 57 Discovery Tank, a climate controlled indoor space.

Program Objectives:
Students will be able to define and identify the ecological significance of an Estuary
Students will be able to define plankton and identify the difference between phytoplankton and zooplankton
Students will learn how to operate microscopes to view microscopic organisms
Students will identify plankton's role in the Hudson River food web

All around the world, people are faced with conflicts of environmental justice and are affected by social, economic, and political influence. This program introduces students to the concept of environmental justice and civic engagement with an interactive role-play activity. Students will learn to communicate with one another to devise an equitable plan for the sake of all stakeholders involved and consider the range of environmental impacts that community level decisions can have. This program occurs in the Pier 57 Discovery Tank, a climate controlled indoor space.

Program Objectives:
Students will be able to define and identify the ecological significance of an Estuary
Students will be able to identify at least one environmental impact of climate change
Students will learn how to organize their thoughts and communicate to a group
Students will be able to discuss solutions to a local environmental concern that support and protect all stakeholders

Please note that there is required student prep work to be lead by teachers prior to this program. Be sure to factor in extra time when booking. Thank you!

For groups that have scheduled a custom program with the River Project team.