NYC Ferry vessels to become floating classrooms, bring marine science to thousands of students – CBS News

NYC Ferry vessels to become floating classrooms, bring marine science to thousands of students  CBS News

A partnership between the Billion Oyster Project and NYC Ferry aims to put about 10,000 students a year on the water to learn about marine ecology, oyster restoration and maritime career opportunities. NYC Ferry's horn will soon become a new school bell, turning ferries into floating classrooms. A new partnership between the Billion Oyster Project and NYC Ferry is using New York Harbor as a hands-on learning environment for students across the city. Starting this school year, the harbor will give thousands of students an opportunity to explore marine science up close and personal. The 90-minute educational trips will take place during off-peak ferry travel hours on school days throughout the academic year.

The goal is to bring approximately 10,000 students aboard each year to learn about marine ecology, oyster restoration and climate resilience. "There's a lot of people that are relying on NYC Ferry every single day, but during those off-peak hours, we have a little bit more capacity and this is a great opportunity to use it," said James Wong, executive director of NYC Ferry. For some students, that exposure could help shape their future. "Thousands of students will have the opportunity to see New York in a whole new way," said Pete Malinowski, president and CEO of the Billion Oyster Project. Sara Soto, a senior at Urban