Outdoor and Environmental Education

Marine Biology & Oceanography

Nassau BOCES offers programs about our local marine ecosystems, intertidal life, glacial geology and general marine biology on both the north and south shores of Long Island as well as on the ocean and bay shores of Fire Island. Comparison studies of two or more ecosystems can be scheduled through our office.

On-the-water voyages can be planned on a wide variety of vessels. You may select from a sailing trip or day trips on various educational research vessels. Another option is a canoeing trip on inland waters. Many schools have also scheduled JASON Project Aquatic Field Investigations with BOCES Naturalists at local beaches or on these research vessels.

All of these programs emphasize Long Island's marine ecosystems. Aboard the north-shore, and south-shore research vessels, students use scientific instruments to study the dissolved oxygen and salinity of the seawater. In addition, they will collect and study marine life and record data before returning the animals to the water. The data will be made available for reference by future groups. See how these programs meet the New York State Learning Standards.

North Shore Boat Trips:

The shipboard experience can be tailored to your needs and interests. The basic programs include an introduction to the vessel and its history, nautical nomenclature, as well as an introduction to marine science -- including the otter trawl or dredge, secchi disk, bottom grab, plankton net and forel-ule scale. Special programs include basic navigation and sailing.

Half-day and full-day programs are available. A BOCES marine biologist will conduct the educational program with the support of the accompanying teacher, the captain and the crew.

South Shore Boat Trips:

Nassau BOCES uses a variety of boats to explore Long Island's South Shore (currently out of: Freeport, Pt. Lookout and Captree.) The capacity of the boats varies between 60 and 100 students and teachers. These traditional charter fishing boats become "transformed" into research vessels due to the expertise of our BOCES staff and the boats' crew.

Programs aboard these educational research vessels are conducted by BOCES naturalists with marine biology backgrounds and include a plankton tow with microscope identification, bottom sampling, water sampling and analysis and a bottom dredge to collect marine animals. Pole fishing can also be arranged at the time the program is scheduled.

Download a program flyer

Canoe Trips:

Canoe trips are offered for middle school and high school students. Nassau BOCES naturalists will guide your class through Lloyd Harbor near Caumsett State Historic Park, and are available to accompany them on trips to the Nissequogue, Carman and Peconic Rivers.

Beach Programs:

On-shore marine biology programs focus on the shallow water and inter-tidal habitats of coastal Long Island, the productive environment of local salt marshes and/or glacial geology and the formation of the barrier islands.

Our programs are held on the north shore at Caumsett State Historic Park, and on the south shores at Jones Beach, TOBAY Beach, Atlantic Beach and the beaches of Fire Island. A basic beach program includes an intertidal exploration, sand study and uses seine nets during mild weather. Transect and quadrat exploration, plankton study and the use of inclinometers are among the field laboratory experiments that are available for advanced elementary, middle and high school classes. Beach scavenger hunts and simple crafts enhance the primary grades' beach experience.

Download a program flyer about Jones Beach

Summer Program:

A three week Summer Marine Biology Program is held each year at Caumsett State Historic Park and off-site locations for students entering grades 8-12. For registration material and more information, call (516) 396-2264. Click here for additional information on summer programs.

Contact:

Outdoor & Environmental Education Program
enviroed@mail.nasboces.org
Phone: (516) 396-2264
Fax: (516) 333-6432