Oyster Research Station Investigation

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

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.