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Science
Field & Data
6-8
9-12
3-5
K-2

Oyster Research Station Investigation

Unit
20+
Class Periods
2+
Field Visits
~$
38
in Materials
Students investigate the biology and ecology of oysters through hands-on research at their Oyster Research Station. Working with live oysters in a classroom tank or at a field site, students design and carry out investigations to understand how oysters grow, filter water, and build reef structures. The curriculum connects laboratory skills with real-world restoration science in New York Harbor.
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Oyster Research Station Investigation 6-8
OVERVIEW & Materials
lessons
MEDIA & DOWNLOADS
CHANGE LOG

Overview

Core Practices

Observation
Data Collection
Inquiry
Comparison Over Time

What Students Do

  1. learn why oysters are keystone species in New York Harbor
  2. practice scientific observation, inference, and prediction
  3. prepare for fieldwork through classroom activities
  4. conduct two guided ORS field visits
  5. collect data on oysters and associated organisms
  6. analyze and summarize field observations
  7. develop and refine research questions
  8. compare ecosystem changes between visits

Pacing & Logistics

Classroom Preparation

Multiple lessons occur before the first field visit to build background knowledge and observation skills.

Field Visits

Students visit their Oyster Research Station twice during the investigation.

Typical visit duration: 1.5–2 hours per visit.

Visits may occur on the same day OR across multiple shorter visits depending on scheduling and site access.

Flexibility

Lessons may be adapted depending on your scheduling constraints, weather conditions, site access, and student pacing.

Field activities follow structured protocols but support student-led inquiry.

Field Visits
2+
CTLE Standards
No standards assigned to this unit, yet.

Materials

Oyster Research Station Investigation: Lesson Plans
Last updated
August 10, 2026
Oyster Research Station Investigation: Slides
Last updated
August 10, 2026

LESSONS

4

chapters

CHAPTER

1

:

Setting the Stage

Classroom preparation building background knowledge on oysters as keystone species, scientific observation skills, and prediction-making before the first field visit.

Lesson

1

:

Oysters are a Keystone Species

Lesson

2

:

Observation and Inference

Lesson

3

:

Observe Oyster Shell

Lesson

4

:

Other Organisms at Your ORS Site

Lesson

5

:

Make and Refine Predictions about your ORS Site

CHAPTER

2

:

Your First ORS Visit

Students conduct their first guided visit to an Oyster Research Station, collecting baseline data on oyster growth and associated organisms.

Lesson

6

:

Field Expectations

Lesson

7

:

Explore Your ORS Site

Lesson

8

:

Field Reflections

CHAPTER

3

:

Think Deeper About your Field Visit

Back in the classroom, students analyze their field observations, summarize their oyster data, and model the food web connections at their ORS site.

Lesson

10

:

Summarize Your Data

Lesson

9

:

Analyze Your Field Observations

Lesson

11

:

ORS Food Webs

CHAPTER

4

:

Asking Questions and Figuring Out Answers

Students develop strong research questions, prepare for and complete their second ORS visit, and compare data across visits to figure out answers.

Lesson

13

:

Preparing for Your Next ORS Visit

Lesson

14

:

Your Second ORS Visit

Lesson

12

:

What Makes a Great Question?

Lesson

15

:

Comparing ORS Visits

CHAPTER

5

:

Comparing Ecosystem Changes Over Time

Students compare data from both visits, develop research questions, and draw conclusions about ecosystem change over time.

Lesson

15

:

Comparing ORS Visits

Lesson

2

:

Drawing Conclusions and Developing New Questions

Length
1-2 class periods
Setting
Classroom
Subject
Science
Lesson Question
What conclusions can we draw, and what new questions emerge from our investigation?
Lesson snapshot

Students synthesize their findings into evidence-based conclusions about oyster restoration and ecosystem health, then develop new research questions for future investigations.

Students will:
  • Synthesize findings into evidence-based conclusions.
  • Present key discoveries about oyster restoration and ecosystem health.
  • Develop new research questions for future investigations.
  • Reflect on their growth as field scientists throughout the unit.
Materials & Quick Links
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