NYC Ferries transforming into floating classrooms for science students in marine life initiative

New York City will turn NYC Ferries into floating classrooms, taking public school pupils on interactive trips to study the harbour. The initiative, due to begin next September, aims to make the city’s waterways and marine environment part of science education.

On 90-minute voyages during off-peak school-day hours, students will explore topics including marine life and climate resilience through activities such as water-quality testing and examining live organisms. Up to two trips a day can carry about 300 pupils and teachers; organisers hope to serve 10,000 students annually and engage one million by 2030. The programme builds on the Billion Oyster Project’s work with more than 66,000 students over the past decade.