NYC Local Resources

A partnership running between NYC Public Schools and eight cultural institutions, UA gives middle school teachers PL, equipment and materials for classroom investigations, field trips to partner institutions, and vouchers so students can return with their families.  They design all their investigations to connect neighborhoods to the larger city to the world.  In their climate unit, for example, students walk their own blocks with infrared thermometers, measure surface temperatures on asphalt, concrete, grass, and shade, then compare their data to other neighborhoods and to cities around the world. Place-based learning expanding outward into global inquiry, using a tool that costs about twenty bucks!

Not just my fave place in the whole city, AMNH's cultural halls let students investigate how different societies have answered the same questions.  Plus they have tons of free educator resources, professional learning, and scientists doing global research, all just a subway ride away. The Hall of Ocean Life and the human origins exhibits both connect directly to middle school science standards.

This harbor restoration organization partners with NYC schools to grow oysters, monitor water quality, and use New York Harbor as a laboratory. The local problem (a damaged estuary) is the global problem (coastal water quality and restoration everywhere), and students can see it from the shoreline. Curriculum, field programs, and teacher PD, all free!