The following selected field trip sites provide high school students with the opportunity to explore green technology facilities in the metropolitan area.
Balcones Recycling Tour
In this visit to the new state-of-the-art Material Recovery Facility in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, the students will watch videos and take an interactive quiz in the media center, will play with magnets, scales, air compressors, and conveyors in the activity center. They will also go to an overlook where they will see the machines and people that sort NYC's recyclables.
No fee.
Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn- NY.
No fee for a self-guided tour. Specialized programs are offered for a fee.
Brooklyn Grange Rooftop Farm, Brooklyn, NY
On this field trip, the students will get a unique perspective on urban farming in New York City. Brooklyn Grange is the leading rooftop farming and intensive green roofing business in the US. The students will get to visit the rooftop farm and observe the vegetables growing, as well as interact with the farmers and the rest of the team that makes this endeavor possible. Check website for updated fees.
Hudson River Park Trust
Hudson River Park’s River Project hosts a series of free and low-cost environmental education programs for organized groups using the Hudson River waterfront as its classroom. Field trip programs allow students to interact with the River and Park through enriching and fun activities that inspire the scientist within each student!
NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies- Manhattan, NY.
On this field trip, students will be introduced to a division of NASA that focuses on climate modeling. Students will learn about the effect climate change has on Earth, the role human beings play in climate change, and what needs to be done to mitigate its effects.
No fee.
New York Transit Museum- Brooklyn, NY.
This field trip includes a guided tour of the New York Transit Museum. Students will explore the multi- faceted story of public transportation by learning about the social history of New York City, engineering sciences, mathematics and the art of subway and station design. Students will also be introduced to the history of immigration and the urban landscape.
Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant- Brooklyn, NY.
At the Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, students will take a tour of New York City’s largest treatment facility and its visitor’s center. Students will learn about water sources as well as wastewater and stormwater treatment and the role it plays in keeping our own waterways clean. Concepts such as Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) and water conservation are clearly illustrated in this visit. The students will also have the opportunity to climb on top of the Digester Eggs.
No fee.
NYC ACRE - Cleantech incubator- Manhattan, NY.
On this field trip, students will explore the offices of NYC ACRE (Accelerator for a Clean and Renewable Economy) and learn about the benefits of clean technology and the concepts behind entrepreneurship.
The Center for Architecture- Manhattan, NY.
At the Center for Architecture, students will acquire a general understanding of green design, green buildings, and architecture. The Center offers hands-on workshops that will illustrate and enhance learned concepts while providing an exciting experience.
Entrance to the Center is free. See website for paid programs and guided visits to the Center.
The Highline- Manhattan, NY.
Exploring The Highline is a unique way to introduce students to the history of the park, urban planning, and sustainable design. Students will be able to understand the High Line’s role in the preservation and reuse of a space, both important concepts for sustainable cities.
No fee for self-guided tour. See website for fees for guided tours and programs.
The Science Barge- Yonkers, NY.
Students will be able to visit The Science Barge’s green facility floating on the Hudson River and explore its greenhouse. The greenhouse grows fresh produce and is powered by solar, wind and biofuel energy. It also collects and reuses rainwater and filtered river water for irrigation.
Check the website for most up to date fees.
Queens Botanical Garden- Queens, NY.
Queens Botanical Garden is a living museum and students will be able to explore its collection of exhibits and habitats. On this field trip, students will be exposed to different ecosystems and understand what the relationship is between nature and humans. The students will also tour the Garden’s sustainable facilities. Check the website for the most up to date schedules and fees.