National Parks of New York Harbor Education Center
The NPNH Education Center matches the resources of National Park Service sites in New York Harbor with the curriculum needs of schools and students. We offer on-site education programs where students discover the themes of the 22 national parks in the harbor through active learning and problem solving. We also provide professional development for teachers. The Center has a formal relationship with the City University of New York - Brooklyn College and the College of Staten Island.
On-site programs:
Sentinels of Our Shores (Grade 4)
How did a young United States defend its greatest port, New York City? By surrounding New York Harbor with forts. The National Park Service now preserves many of these forts: Castle Clinton in Manhattan, Castle Williams and Fort Jay on Governors Island, Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island, Fort Tilden in the Bronx and more. In this program, student ”cadets” travel back to the year 1846 to conduct hands-on scientific experiments with our own unique air-powered cannon. How does changing the angle or air pressure affect the range of the cannon? Cadets then decide where to build forts by reading historic documents, including maps. This program may be used to complement visits to the harbor's historic forts. Maximum 35 students.
To Be Somebody in America (Grade 8)
What is a “successful” immigration experience? Eighth graders answer this question in our two-part program "To Be Somebody in America." First, students read and listen to actual Ellis Island immigrants tell their stories via the Oral History Project, which the NPS began in 1973. Students transform these powerful primary sources into dramatic performances, blending social studies with language arts. Two visits required. Maximum 35 students. For classes visiting Ellis Island itself, this program provides students with a mental map of the island: the main hall, examination areas, Board of Special Inquiry and more.
In-school programs:
Traveling Trunk, offered free within New York City: "Staying Alive: Survival in a Coastal Ecosystem" (Grades 3-6)
This multidisciplinary study for grades 3 -6 examines the coastal habitats of Great Kills Park, a unit of Gateway National Recreation Area. Students touch and examine skulls, shells, seeds and other specimens found in a coastal environment, integrating science with music and visual arts. Eight lessons, or explorations, include: lesson objectives; an overview; time estimates; a materials list; key words; quick facts; a teaching sequence rubric; and a list of resources.
Escape to Freedom: Board game for the American Revolution in New York City (Grades 4 and up)
This original board game activity prepares students for the program Sentinels of Our Shores, but can also be used as a stand-alone activity. Students must leave British-occupied New York City during the summer of 1777, where free speech can be punished by jail without a trial. Student choices determine their success in escaping, along with a little luck. On their journey, students meet real unsung patriots who aided the Patriot cause at great risk to themselves. Designed for grade 4 but appropriate through middle school and beyond. Offered free of charge.
Free within NYC
Classroom materials: Teacher Guides, with DBQs and other activities, are available for both on-site programs.
General information: Website: www.nps.gov/npnh
See also: www.nps.gov/ert
Phone: 718-354-4530, ext. 223
Address: 210 New York Avenue, Staten Island NY 10305
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