Science in the Field

As part of their study of watersheds and estuaries, seventh grade science students trace the connections between systems on land and in the water. That work becomes tangible at the East 90th Street Ferry Pier, where boys help monitor an active oyster restoration site in partnership with the Billion Oyster Project. Over multiple visits, they move cages, test water, survey biodiversity, and count and measure oysters by hand—learning to collect data with care and analyze it with growing discernment.

This experience dovetails with their classroom study of environmental science and estuaries, and is an example of how strong values manifest within our science program. What begins as fieldwork becomes something more: a lesson in environmental systems as well as collaboration, observation, and stewardship. “Our boys are part of a community that values restoring community health, curiosity, working together, and solving problems with reason and intention,” says science teacher Sam Woolford. “This project makes that real.”