Fifth graders Brooke Canty and Nicole Stimac seining during a visit at the WaterFront Center in Oyster Bay.
The Lynbrook Public Schools Voyager program partnered up with The WaterFront Center to offer our students an opportunity to study about Long Island’s local waters and the importance of oyster reefs in those waters.
Voyagers were offered numerous hands-on learning experiences both in class and on site at the WaterFront Center in Oyster Bay, NY. In class, students were able to learn about the life cycle of oysters and how they are integral to our local waters. Students became citizen scientists, using tools like calipers and scales to collect data for the WaterFront Center’s oyster restoration efforts.
On site, students learned about the beach, marsh & estuary. Students went seining for local species of fish. Additionally, students interacted with an invertebrate touch tank as they learned about what lives in the harbor.
The final study was done aboard a floating classroom, Christeen, a national historic landmark. Students hoisted sails and gathered information about our local ecosystem. They participated in a dredge and students left with a clear understanding of just how crucial oysters are to global ocean health.
“This was such an engaging and meaningful study,” Voyager instructor, Mrs. Teichman, shared. “The students can now educate others on the importance of supporting oyster restoration efforts.”
Click here to view the photo slideshow.
Date Added: 6/2/2023