For Teachers: Oyster Research Station (ORS) Training

New York, New York

For Teachers: Oyster Research Station (ORS) Training

Teachers only • In-Person

Workshop

Select participants and date

Date

Fri, Oct 17

Travelers

2

About This Adventure

Join the Oyster Research Station training to empower teachers with hands-on skills in monitoring oyster growth and biodiversity in New York Harbor. This unique program combines fieldwork with an inquiry-based curriculum, fostering collaboration among educators while enhancing classroom learning. Experience the thrill of contributing to marine conservation and education!

Duration

6.5 Hours (9:00 am - 3:30pm)

Upcoming Trainings

November 4, 2025 - 10 Grand Street, Brooklyn June 4, 2026 - Location TBD

About

The Oyster Research Station (ORS) program is one of Billion Oyster Project's most popular educational and community science initiatives, and serves as a complement to the Oyster Research Tank (ORT) program.

Teachers in the ORS program are trained to monitor a cage of oysters in the Harbor, collect data about oyster growth, survival and biodiversity, and to make site observations. They leave the training equipped to use the ORS as a teaching tool inside and outside of the classroom by using our inquiry-based free curriculum. Take a look at our Oyster Research Station Investigation -- a 15-lesson unit for middle and high school classrooms!

This training is specifically for teachers. If you are not a classroom teacher, but are interested in being ORS trained, we also regularly offer ORS trainings for community scientists. Here is a map of where all Oyster Research Stations are currently located - check out if there is one near your school!

In this session teachers can expect to:

Learn how to prepare to take students into the field, and monitor an ORS over time
Explore BOP’s accompanying ORS unit, and consider how it can be used in your classroom
Connect with other BOP teachers

CTLE Credit

CTLE credits are provided by Billion Oyster Project.

Fees & Registration

Billion Oyster Project's Oyster Research Station Training costs $100. This flat fee — which covers training, monitoring supplies, a permitted waterfront site, and oysters – is made possible thanks to funding from the New York City Council members and other generous partners. This support also allows us to offer the training for FREE for all Title 1 schools. Please inquire about the discount code if you are a teacher at a Title 1 school.

Any questions should be sent to kschreiber@billionoysterproject.org, ecaref@billionoysterproject.org, measton@billionoysterproject.org

Thanks to the Billion Oyster Project partners and funders: New York City Council Speaker Adrienne E. Adams and Council Members Christopher Marte, Julie Menin, Gale Brewer, Carmen De La Rosa, Kristy Marmorato, Amanda Farías, Vickie Paladino, James Gennaro, Shekar Krishnan, Julie Won, Joann Ariola, Crystal Hudson, Alexa Avilés, Rita Joseph, Mercedes Narcisse, Justin Brannan, Kamillah Hanks, Frank Morano and the New York City Department of Education.

Adventure Tips

Prepare for Wet Conditions

Wear waterproof boots and clothing as much of the training involves working in and near water.

Bring a Notebook

Document observations and data during field sessions to refer back to in lesson planning.

Dress in Layers

Weather on the water can change quickly; layering helps keep you comfortable throughout the day.

Arrive Early for Orientation

Plan to arrive on time to get a thorough briefing and maximize your training experience.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Eastern oyster
Harbor seal occasionally observed

History

Oyster reefs in New York Harbor once covered thousands of acres before industrialization severely depleted them in the 19th century.

Conservation

The station is part of a larger initiative to restore oyster populations as natural water filters, improving water health and supporting urban marine ecosystems.

Empower Educators with Oyster Research Station Training in New York Harbor

Difficulty

Duration

Fitness Level

Overview