NYC Ferry Launches Floating Classrooms

NYC Ferry has started using their off-season boats to work as floating science classrooms for NYC public school students.

The new “Floating Classroom” program, developed by NYC Ferry, the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), and Billion Oyster Project, will offer 90-minute educational rides focused on marine biology, climate change, and maritime careers. The initiative aims to serve 10,000 K–12 public school students each year.

Educators from Billion Oyster Project will lead the voyages, bringing lessons about oysters, marine life, and water quality out of the classroom and onto the harbor.

The nonprofit, which works to restore oyster reefs in New York Harbor, already provides curriculum, teacher training, and hands-on science programs across 109 schools. The Floating Classroom will expand opportunities for students to experience the environment they are studying firsthand.

Schedule

The program will operate twice daily on weekdays, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., from Labor Day through Memorial Day.

Introducing Students to Maritime Careers

Alongside environmental science, the program will introduce students to careers connected to New York Harbor.

That connection is already exists at the Urban Assembly New York Harbor School on Governors Island but NYC Ferry is hoping to expand it helping graduates to work as captains and deckhands.

Read more in the New York Daily News.