Celebrate Earth Week with the Billion Oyster Project
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At Billion Oyster Project every day is a new opportunity to celebrate the nature around us, but this week is extra special. This Wednesday 4/22 marks the 50th Annual celebration of Earth Day!
Although this celebration is bound to look a little different than those in years past, it can be full of hands-on experiences, learning, and appreciation.
We will be introducing a new Earth Week event or activity every day this week!
Sunday, April 19
Virtually monitor an Oyster Research Station
You may have seen a picture of aqua ropes featured in the New York Times earlier this month. At the end of each rope is an Oyster Research Station (ORS) monitored by local schools and community scientists. To kick off Earth Week, we invite you to join our Education Outreach Coordinator, Agata Poniatowski, in monitoring ORS #47 at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
Although it’s not safe to monitor an ORS as a group due to COVID-19, you can learn more about some of the NY Harbor creatures that Agata finds in the coloring pages created by our education team.
Monday, April 20
Build a Do-It-Yourself Anemometer
Have you heard of an anemometer? An anemometer is a device — commonly used by weather stations — to measure wind speed and direction. For a little motivation to start your Monday, build your very own anemometer at home with Billion Oyster Project’s Diana Fu.
Our Director of Education, Ann Fraioli, also introduced Unit 4 of our Ecosystem Engineers curriculum on Oyster Reef Construction.
Tuesday, April 21
Oyster Design & Engineering Challenge
On the eve of Earth Day, we’re revisiting Unit 1 of our Ecosystem Engineers Curriculum for an at-home engineering challenge to keep your oyster (or in this case, an egg) safe!
Take a look at the materials in your recycling bin to see what could be used to create a protective shell for your egg, and flip to page 17 of our Con Edison curriculum to start the design process.
Wednesday, April 22
Thursday, April 23
Create NY Harbor Species out of Salt Dough!
It's easy to learn about fish when they're right in front of you, but many of us are stuck inside. Did you know you can make your own fish out of a few basic household ingredients? Join Agata as she makes salt dough and feel reference this guide to decide which underwater creature you'd like to create.
Friday, April 24
Fishy Friday Fun
Today is the perfect day to check out these coloring pages created by our education team. As you decide which New York Harbor species to color, learn about the anatomy and natural environment of these critters we find on and around Billion Oyster Project reef structures.
Saturday, April 25
Get to Know Your Harbor (Part 1: Coney Island)
In this video, Community Reefs Regional Manager, Tanasia Swift, introduces you to Kaiser Park in Coney Island Creek — the location of one of Billion Oyster Project’s community oyster reefs. Learn more about all 13 BOP reefs and nurseries – generously supported by Science Sandbox, an initiative of the Simons Foundation — on our Oyster Reefs page.
For more oyster fun and at-home activities, check out our Remote Learning page. Don’t forget to tag Billion Oyster Project or include the #BOPeducation hashtag if you decide to share your Earth Week creations on social media.
Happy Earth Week from the Billion Oyster Project crew!