Skip to main content


Welcome, you are visiting Harbor Restoration

Curriculum and Community Enterprise for New York Harbor Restoration in New York City Public Schools
Research consistently shows that children who have opportunities to actively investigate natural settings and engage in problem-based learning greatly benefit from the experiences. They gain skills, interests, knowledge, aspirations, and motivation to learn more. But how can we provide these rich opportunities in densely populated urban areas where resources and access to natural areas are limited? This project will develop and test a model of curriculum and community enterprise to address that issue within the nation's largest urban school system. Middle school students will study New York harbor and the extensive watershed that empties into it, and they will conduct field research in support of restoring native oyster habitats.

Show Full Abstract

Project Contributions

Microteaching: An Introspective Case Study with Middle School Teachers in New York City Public Schools
"The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential impacts of microteaching on experienced teachers participating in the Community Enterprise for Restoration Science (CCERS) Teaching Fellowship at Pace University…
Science Curriculum Content for Real World Application
"Through this National Science Foundation grant, the Billion Oyster Project has been initiated to combine Oyster Restoration in New York Harbor and situate this in community involvement - specifically with…
Authentic Community Based Learning in New York City: an Holistic Model using the Billion Oyster Project and Curriculum and Community Enterprise for Restoration Science
"A model that exemplifies the constructivist approach to learning by connecting the students with their community is the Billion Oyster Project which has been established in New York City. This…
Advanced Placement Environmental Science and the Curriculum and Community Enterprise for Restoration Science (CCERS) Project in the New York City High School
"This paper explores the issue of social justice through the lens of equitable access to Advanced Placement courses in the City of New York High Schools, with focus on Advanced…
Curriculum and Community Enterprise for New York Harbor Restoration in New York City Public Schools
" Active investigation of students engaging in problem solving in natural settings has consistently been shown to greatly benefit their learning process. They gain skills and knowledge, while increasing their…
Development of Curriculum + Community Enterprise for Restoration Science: A Formative Model for Educational Partnerships
"The Curriculum + Community Enterprise for Restoration Science (CCERS) is an educational model designed to increase the quality and effectiveness of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Computer Science (STEM-C) education…
Billion Oyster Project: Linking Public School Teaching and Learning to the Ecological Restoration of New York Harbor Using Innovative Applications of Environmental and Digital Technologies
"Research consistently shows that children who have opportunities to actively investigate natural settings and engage in problem-based learning greatly benefit from the experiences. They gain skills, interests, knowledge, aspirations, and…
Curriculum and Community Enterprise for the Restoration of New York Harbor through New York City Public Schools
Watch Video Research consistently shows that children who have opportunities to actively investigate natural settings and engage in problem-based learning greatly benefit from the experiences. They gain skills, interests, knowledge,…
Press Conference to Launch Billion Oyster Project Schools Program
Posted by: Lauren Birney . This is a local news article discussing our recent press conference (Oct. 30) to announce the NSF grant and funding for the BOP Schools Program.
Pace University To Lead Consortium Awarded $5m NSF Grant For "Curriculum And Community Enterprise For New York Harbor Restoration In New York City Public Schools”
"Pace Universitys School of Education Assistant Clinical Professor Lauren Birney Ed. D joined with former President Bill Clinton and New York Harbor School co-founder Murray Fisher on Thursday, September 4…