NYC kids and teachers should sign up now for these FREE online programs this fall and winter for young people interested in urban ecology and the environment, including an internship, and lesson plans for educators teaching them. Some programs combine virtual and in-person field trips.
These STEM programs are held weekly, through December, for middle school and high school students in New York City. The learning programs are sponsored by the NYC Parks Department.
FREE Learning Programs for NYC Students
Learn about the ecology of our waterways
The Coastal Classroom After School program is designed for middle school students to create meaningful relationships with waterfront parks, looking at topics including coastal ecology, water quality, urban waterfront restoration and preservation.
Using virtual lessons and authentic learning experiences, students will learn about the ecology of the aquatic ecosystems in NYC waterfront parks and the species living in them. And they’ll have fun in the process.
This free after-school online program is weekly through December 4, 3:30 to 5:30 PM
See also
Learn more about the ecology and importance of NYC waterways at the new Pier 26 on the Hudson River.
Pier 26 is NYC’s first eco-park,
and it’s FREE.
Become an environmental advocate with Green Girls.
This award-winning after school program, CityParks Green Girls Empowered by ING, uses fun-filled online adventures to teach middle school girls about the natural ecosystems in NYC’s parks, careers in the sciences, and about their own power to create change and advocate for the environment and their parks.
Participants will investigate how climate change is affecting our city and our future and will learn the history of climate action and how young people have advocated for the environment.
This year, because of the pandemic related changes, Green Girls will have a particular opportunity to focus on how climate change is affecting NYC and its future.
Students will learn about the history of climate action and how young people have advocated for the environment. The Green Girls will take part in this advocacy as a group.
Green Girls meet weekly online through December 17th, with multiple session times available to fit your student’s schedule.
Free STEM Programs for Educators
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Educators looking to supplement their environmental science curriculum this year, should inquire now about our remote Learning Gardens School Day Program that teaches youngsters about the importance of urban gardens.
Students will learn about plant and soil science, urban biodiversity, food justice and healthy eating.
High school students looking for an in-person urban gardening experience and interested in learning about food justice, may apply now for CityParks High School Internship Training Program.
Accepted students will work safely and socially distant in the gardens this fall, learning new skills and earning high school credit.
Bring Parks Into the Classroom with Seeds to Trees
For teachers looking to enhance their science curriculum, Seeds to Trees is now a fully remote program that combines guided, hands-on classroom activities with virtual field trips to NYC parks, all led by our skilled science educators.
The program focuses on urban ecology and nature and encourages students to explore the dynamics of urban ecosystems.
About City Parks Foundation
At City Parks Foundation, we are dedicated to invigorating and transforming parks into dynamic, vibrant centers of urban life through sports, arts, community building and education programs for all New Yorkers. Our programs — located in more than 400 parks, recreation centers and public schools across New York City — reach 310,000 people each year.
The ethos is simple: thriving parks mean thriving communities.
What do you think about this? We welcome your comments.