This sounds like a great way to get students involved in doing science while learning science. What challenges do you have in pooling data from various groups and doing analysis?

Where do you see this project in relation to other citizen science projects?

Thank you for comments and questions Daniel! The magnitude and vastness of the project sometimes can be challenge, but we have found systems and structures to put into place to overcome these challenges.  In terms of other projects, we have always seen this project as opportunity to share this model with other locales so that other researchers can replicate this model and create a structure that pertains their localized issues and species.

Hi Dr. Birney,

Does CCE-RS provide all necessary resources for implementing the curriculum at the schools? Is the curriculum a science unit or is it a year-round series of activities embedded throughout? What percentage of teachers consistently report in using the online platform? In our project, we face challenges with consistent reporting, but we don't yet have an online platform specific to our project. 

Your program sounds like a great way to expose kids to a real-life environmental problem, get their hands in the water and get them actively involved in the process of restoration!

I love the term "citizen scientist." This is an amazing opportunity for students in your area. How are the the schools/students selected to participate in the program? Is it something that the teachers have to opt into or apply? How has the involvement been so far? 

thanks Carrie ! Yes a very exciting opportunity - the project is open to all schools in the NYCDOE.  Yes teachers apply annually. We currently have 84 teaching fellows and 128 schools participating!  :)

Hi Lauren and team—

I love this project. "Oyster gardens" is one of the most fantastic ideas I've heard in a while, and I think we all need one. This is probably thinking ahead to your next project, but I can imagine your students extending what they're learning here into all sorts of other projects in marine and environmental engineering (E.g., what are the similarities and differences between the role that oysters play in places like the Harbor and on reefs in other areas? Or, connecting to bioremediation projects.)

This is very exciting work.

Dear James - thank you so much for your kind thoughts and words!  YES!!!absolutely we focus on these idea and concepts while broadening their analytical skills. We also focus on providing students with a preview into the STEM industry careers.  The larger project also has established partnerships with reef restoration and shell recycling efforts here in New York City!  Thank you for taking the time to comment ! :)

This is very exciting work. I especially like the combination and connection of different kinds of supports for teachers and students to connect to real research and community action. Hands on activities that are part of doing real science, especially when they connect to issues in the community that matter can really make a difference. Sounds like your research plan is also pretty rigorous. What are your primary outcome measures?

good morning Jim ! Thank you for visiting our video and project as well as your inspiring comments! It certainly is a robust project ! The project seeks to increase the number of students and teachers interested in STEM fields.  Additionally, we are looking to make this partnership model a replicable model throughout the United States and globally! Have a wonderful day and thank you again !