For children in grades K-12, the Conservancy’s education program combines inquiry-based and experiential learning to create lessons that meet Common Core learning standards.

Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy’s education calendar is divided according to season. Enrollment is offered on a first-come first-served basis. Applications submitted before each booking season opens will not be considered. Spring registration opens December 15, summer registration opens April 15, fall registration opens August 15.

To register for our Summer Education Programs click here .

GREAT BROOKLYN BRIDGE (GRADES 2-8)

Immerse yourself in the dramatic history of how the bridge was built and forever changed the industrial and residential landscape of Brooklyn. Students explore basic bridge engineering concepts, build a bridge model and walk to the first tower of the bridge. Learning standards for Great Brooklyn Bridge are available here. *The class ends at the first tower of the Brooklyn Bridge.

LIVING ON THE EDGE (GRADES 4-8)

Investigate the habitats and adaptations of organisms in the area between high and low tide. Students learn the parts and functions of algae and create a simple plant press for sampling. They also collect animal specimens from the coastline and learn about their natural environment through a fun and interactive game.Learning standards for Living on the Edge are available here.

READING ROCKS (GRADES 2-3)

Review rock categorization, formation and the rock cycle. Armed with new observational skills, students use Pier 1 as a living laboratory to explore and identify some of the unique rocks and fossils in the park.Learning standards for Reading Rocks are available here.

ROVE THE COVE (GRADES K-8)

Explore the Hudson River estuary and tidal strait. Students investigate and assess the health of the East River by observing, gathering samples, and performing simple water tests. They analyze specimens and discuss habitat, characteristics, properties and environmental adaptations. Learning standards for Rove the Cove are available here.

SEINING THE RIVER WILD (ALL AGES)

Discover the underwater world of the East River. Instructors drag a 20-foot seine net along the bottom of the river bed to catch, identify and release fish and invertebrates. Students over the age of 11, with prior permission and signed waivers, receive instruction and an opportunity to work the nets. Learning standards for Seining are available here.
*limited availability, offered only at low tide.

SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPE (GRADES 4-12)

Examine the sustainable and green design of the park. Discuss water conservation, ecological initiatives, and material reuse. A guided tour is embedded with activities and challenges for students, promoting a deeper understanding of innovative and sustainable concepts employed by the park. Learning standards for Sustainable Landscape are available here.

THE AWESOME OYSTER (Grades 2-8) NEW COURSE

Examine the history of New York Harbor’s keystone species: the eastern oyster. Through hands-on investigation students use the oyster gardens at Brooklyn Bridge Park to investigate East River habitat. Students will encounter the various species that reside in an oyster garden, take scientific measurements and assess water quality of the East River. Learning standards for The Awesome Oyster are available here.

TREES OF BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK (GRADES K-1)

Learn basic tree anatomy and use age-appropriate field guides to explore and identify the diverse tree species of Pier 1. Students use observation and scientific tools to estimate tree age and leaf patterns. Learning standards for Trees of Brooklyn Bridge Park are available here.

WEATHER ON THE WATER (GRADES K-1)

Use Pier 1’s waterfront location to explore attributes of weather. Educational games, and activities help students explore ways sun, air and water interact to cause changes in the weather and the seasons. Learning standards for Weather on the Water are available here.

Support for the Conservancy’s Education Program is provided by Con Edison, Hudson River Improvement Fund, Dr. Robert C. and Tina Sohn Foundation, and the TD Charitable Fund.