Genovesi Environmental Study Center Programs: Home

NATURE EXPLORERS (KINDERGARTEN)

Through outdoor observation in GESC’s sensory garden, young learners will practice using their sense of touch, taste, sight, smell, and hearing. Learners will meet some of the animals at GESC to learn how they use their five senses to survive and thrive and engage in a series of hands-on activities, including making a sensory craft they take home.

 

SWEET PEAS (KINDERGARTEN)

Young explorers will learn the importance of plants by engaging in a series of hands-on activities. Learners will discover that plants are living things that need air, water, nutrients, and light in order to live and thrive. Learners will begin to identify plant parts by creating a craft which they can take home. Learners will identify the differences between fruits and vegetables and discover where their food comes from.

 

WHAT’S THE BUZZ ABOUT? (GRADES K-1)

Learn all about bees and the roles they play in the ecosystem including their important connection to pollination and our food supply. While comparing bees to other insects, discovering their life stages, and learning how and why honey bees make honey, students will explore GESC’s hives and pollinator gardens. Students will also encounter a variety of pollinators and make and take home a bee craft, all while learning how these important animals shape the environment they live in. 

 

PLANTS, POLLINATORS, AND ME! (GRADES K-2)

Plants, pollinators, and people depend on each other in many ways! Students will investigate these relationships by exploring plant parts, learning about different types of pollinators, observing plants and pollinators in our urban farm, and learning the importance of honey bees through the creation of a bee craft. Young scientists will see firsthand how we are all interconnected! 

 

PLANT POWER JR. (GRADES 1-2)

Junior explorers will learn about plant parts and how they help with growth, survival, and reproduction. Through hands-on learning, they will create a craft that helps them identify the plant parts. Learners will discover that plants are living things and will continue their learning back in the classroom by observing the growth of a seed as it sprouts and grows into a bean plant.

 

WHAT’S THE BUZZ ABOUT? (GRADES 2-3)

Learn all about bees and the roles they play in the ecosystem including their important connection to pollination and our food supply. While comparing bees to other insects, discovering their life stages, and learning how and why honey bees make honey, students will explore GESC’s hives and pollinator gardens. Students will also encounter a variety of pollinators and make and take home a bee craft, all while learning how these important animals shape the environment they live in. 

 

PLANT POWER (GRADES 3-5)

Explorers will investigate how humans rely on plants in their everyday lives. They will learn how the structures of plant parts support growth, survival, and reproduction. Through observation with a series of different plants, explorers will identify plant adaptations and defense mechanisms for plant survival. The learning will continue back in the classroom with the observation of seed germination, sprouting, and development of a mature plant.

 

CRAZY FOR COMPOSTING (GRADES 3-5) 

Explore the fascinating world of compost! Learners will discover how compost is made and why it is a component of healthy soil. They will observe the vital organisms that aid in this process and learn what you can and can’t compost through a series of hands-on activities and observation of GESC’s indoor and outdoor compost systems. Students will also see firsthand how GESC uses compost to provide healthy habitats for our animals. 

 

WONDERFUL WORLD OF WATER (GRADES 3-5) 

New York City’s urban ecosystem includes many different kinds of aquatic habitats, such as freshwater ponds, brackish wetlands, and marine coastline, each of which support unique organisms. Young scientists will explore many of these aquatic habitats here at GESC. Students will view microorganisms using microscopes, learn about NYC’s drinking water supply, and learn how they can conserve water.

 

WHAT’S THE BUZZ ABOUT? (GRADES 4-5)

Learn all about bees and the roles they play in the ecosystem including their important connection to pollination and our food supply. While comparing bees to other insects, discovering their life stages, and learning how and why honey bees make honey, students will explore GESC’s hives and pollinator gardens. Students will also encounter a variety of pollinators learning how these important animals shape the world they live in.

 

ENERGY IN THE ECOSYSTEM (GRADE 6)

What are consumers? What are decomposers? How is the transfer of energy crucial to support biodiversity of living things? Through an owl pellet dissection, learners will investigate the key relationships in an ecosystem. Through a series of activities and observations, learners will study how different organisms have different energy needs to live.

 

ZOOM INTO MICROBIOLOGY (GRADES 6-8)

Observe the hidden world of microorganisms. Learners will investigate the micro-world by learning to prepare slides and observe protozoa and algae. Uncover the secret lives of these tiny creatures and how they support plant life. Using microscopes to view organisms harvested at GESC, learners will discover how to harvest their own, utilize inquiry-based process skills and tools such as microscopes and slide preparation, explore the unseen kingdoms of life, and focus on cell chemistry and homeostasis.

 

INQUIRY WITH ISOPODS (GRADES 6-8)

Join us at GESC for an authentic experience as your students practice using the scientific method. Learners will observe and work with live pillbugs, test variables, design an experiment, and test their hypothesis. We promise — no pillbugs will be harmed in this class!

 

WILDLIFE FORENSICS (GRADES 8-12)

Engage in the story of how DNA analysis is helping protect endangered wildlife. In this DNA gel electrophoresis lab experience, learners will develop a greater understanding of the scientific protocols and technical skills necessary to conduct this research. Upon completion of this lab, high school students are eligible for 3 hours of NYS lab time.

 

WATER QUALITY (GRADES 10-12)

Assess the water quality of GESC’s aquatic habitats by using probeware to conduct a variety of tests. Learners will understand how these tests are utilized to monitor NYC’s water sources and how humans impact the overall quality of the health of water.

 

GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOOD (GRADES 10-12)

What is a genetically modified organism? How do scientists detect if a food has been genetically modified? Help solve a mystery by conducting a DNA gel electrophoresis lab to discover the answers to these questions while also developing a deeper understanding of technical lab skills in DNA analysis.

WHO LIVES THERE? (KINDERGARTEN)

Explore different animal habitats and discover who calls these habitats home. Young learners will investigate different animal habitats, characteristics, and adaptations. Through hands-on activities learners will create a craft they can take home. Learners will meet some of the animals at GESC to discover their adaptations needed for survival within their habitats.

 

AMAZING AMPHIBIANS (GRADES K-2)

Examine LIVE species of amphibians! Identify physical characteristics of frogs and toads and compare them to other animals at GESC to understand their anatomy. Learners will practice observation skills, engage in sensory experiences, and explore adaptations that allow amphibians to survive and thrive in the wild.

 

INCREDIBLE INSECTS (GRADES K-2)

Identify the physical characteristics of insects and discover their various forms, colors and adaptations. Encounter a variety of insects both indoors and outdoors, observe insect behaviors and discover the life stages from eggs to adults. Learners will be introduced to the features that distinguish an insect from other invertebrates and will explore real world scenarios regarding insect management and control to maintain the health of an ecosystem.

 

TOOLS OF THE TRADE: INTRODUCTION TO SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS (GRADES 3-4)

Get a jump start on the skills needed to become a great scientist. Learners will rotate through a series of stations to practice science process skills using GESC’s resources.

 

EAT OR BE EATEN (GRADES 3-5)

Investigate the predator/prey relationships within an ecosystem. Deconstruct an owl pellet, construct an interactive Muir Web, and observe live predator/prey relationships at GESC. Learners will be introduced to the fundamentals of energy transfer as it relates to the food chain and delve into the complicated connections within the food web.

 

WEAPONS OF THE WILD (GRADES 3-5)

Poison, armor, camouflage, oh my! Students will discover how organisms are able to survive and thrive by adapting to their environment in many ways. Through hands-on learning and animal encounters, learners will see firsthand the fascinating ways in which organisms use natural weaponry to defend themselves, hunt prey, or compete for resources to meet their particular needs within an ecosystem.

 

ZOOM INTO MICROBIOLOGY (GRADE 5)

Observe the hidden world of microorganisms. Learners will investigate the micro-world by learning to prepare slides and observe protozoa and algae. Uncover the secret lives of these tiny creatures and how they support plant life. Using microscopes to view organisms harvested at GESC, learners will discover how to harvest their own, be introduced to inquiry-based process skills and tools such as microscopes and slide preparation, and explore the unseen kingdoms of life.

 

ENERGY IN THE ECOSYSTEM (GRADE 6)

What are consumers? What are decomposers? How is the transfer of energy crucial to support biodiversity of living things? Through an owl pellet dissection, learners will investigate the key relationships in an ecosystem. Through a series of activities and observations, learners will study how different organisms have different energy needs to live.

 

ZOOM INTO MICROBIOLOGY (GRADES 6-8)

Observe the hidden world of microorganisms. Learners will investigate the micro-world by learning to prepare slides and observe protozoa and algae. Uncover the secret lives of these tiny creatures and how they support plant life. Using microscopes to view organisms harvested at GESC, learners will discover how to harvest their own, utilize inquiry-based process skills and tools such as microscopes and slide preparation, explore the unseen kingdoms of life, and focus on cell chemistry and homeostasis.

 

INQUIRY WITH ISOPODS (GRADES 6-8)

Join us at GESC for an authentic experience as your students practice using the scientific method. Learners will observe and work with live pillbugs, test variables, design an experiment, and test their hypothesis. We promise — no pillbugs will be harmed in this class!

 

WILDLIFE FORENSICS (GRADES 8-12)

Engage in the story of how DNA analysis is helping protect endangered wildlife. In this DNA gel electrophoresis lab experience, learners will develop a greater understanding of the scientific protocols and technical skills necessary to conduct this research. Upon completion of this lab, high school students are eligible for 3 hours of NYS lab time.

 

WATER QUALITY (GRADES 10-12)

Assess the water quality of GESC’s aquatic habitats by using probeware to conduct a variety of tests. Learners will understand how these tests are utilized to monitor NYC’s water sources and how humans impact the overall quality of the health of water.

 

GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOOD (GRADES 10-12)

What is a genetically modified organism? How do scientists detect if a food has been genetically modified? Help solve a mystery by conducting a DNA gel electrophoresis lab to discover the answers to these questions while also developing a deeper understanding of technical lab skills in DNA analysis.

PRICING FOR CLASS PROGRAMS

• NYC DOE and NYC charter schools: $75 per class
  • Self-contained classes: $50 per class
• Private schools and schools outside NYC limits: $250 per class

PAYMENT THROUGH PURCHASE ORDER IN FAMIS IS PREFERRED. TO PAY THROUGH FAMIS: 

1.  Schedule funds for your purchase in object code 0998 (Internal Services) 

2.  Submit a purchase order through FAMIS by selecting: 

Purchasing -> Contracted -> E-Catalog -> Internal Services -> Internal Services 

3.  Put in accounting information.

4.  Type in the vendor# "GEN000MM1" in the search box and select "Vendor #" in the search type drop down. Then use the item number(s) that corresponds to the type of class trip(s) you are registered for.

 

GESC also takes school or personal checks for payment. We do not accept credit cards or cash.

NATURE EXPLORERS (KINDERGARTEN)

Through outdoor observation in GESC’s sensory garden, young learners will practice using their sense of touch, taste, sight, smell, and hearing. Learners will meet some of the animals at GESC to learn how they use their five senses to survive and thrive and engage in a series of hands-on activities, including making a sensory craft they take home.

 

SWEET PEAS (KINDERGARTEN)

Young explorers will learn the importance of plants by engaging in a series of hands-on activities. Learners will discover that plants are living things that need air, water, nutrients, and light in order to live and thrive. Learners will begin to identify plant parts by creating a craft which they can take home. Learners will identify the differences between fruits and vegetables and discover where their food comes from.

 

WHAT’S THE BUZZ ABOUT? (GRADES K-1)

Learn all about bees and the roles they play in the ecosystem including their important connection to pollination and our food supply. While comparing bees to other insects, discovering their life stages, and learning how and why honey bees make honey, students will explore GESC’s hives and pollinator gardens. Students will also encounter a variety of pollinators and make and take home a bee craft, all while learning how these important animals shape the environment they live in. 

 

PLANTS, POLLINATORS, AND ME! (GRADES K-2)

Plants, pollinators, and people depend on each other in many ways! Students will investigate these relationships by exploring plant parts, learning about different types of pollinators, observing plants and pollinators in our urban farm, and learning the importance of honey bees through the creation of a bee craft. Young scientists will see firsthand how we are all interconnected! 

 

PLANT POWER JR. (GRADES 1-2)

Junior explorers will learn about plant parts and how they help with growth, survival, and reproduction. Through hands-on learning, they will create a craft that helps them identify the plant parts. Learners will discover that plants are living things and will continue their learning back in the classroom by observing the growth of a seed as it sprouts and grows into a bean plant.

 

WHAT’S THE BUZZ ABOUT? (GRADES 2-3)

Learn all about bees and the roles they play in the ecosystem including their important connection to pollination and our food supply. While comparing bees to other insects, discovering their life stages, and learning how and why honey bees make honey, students will explore GESC’s hives and pollinator gardens. Students will also encounter a variety of pollinators and make and take home a bee craft, all while learning how these important animals shape the environment they live in. 

 

PLANT POWER (GRADES 3-5)

Explorers will investigate how humans rely on plants in their everyday lives. They will learn how the structures of plant parts support growth, survival, and reproduction. Through observation with a series of different plants, explorers will identify plant adaptations and defense mechanisms for plant survival. The learning will continue back in the classroom with the observation of seed germination, sprouting, and development of a mature plant.

 

CRAZY FOR COMPOSTING (GRADES 3-5) 

Explore the fascinating world of compost! Learners will discover how compost is made and why it is a component of healthy soil. They will observe the vital organisms that aid in this process and learn what you can and can’t compost through a series of hands-on activities and observation of GESC’s indoor and outdoor compost systems. Students will also see firsthand how GESC uses compost to provide healthy habitats for our animals. 

 

WONDERFUL WORLD OF WATER (GRADES 3-5) 

New York City’s urban ecosystem includes many different kinds of aquatic habitats, such as freshwater ponds, brackish wetlands, and marine coastline, each of which support unique organisms. Young scientists will explore many of these aquatic habitats here at GESC. Students will view microorganisms using microscopes, learn about NYC’s drinking water supply, and learn how they can conserve water.

 

WHAT’S THE BUZZ ABOUT? (GRADES 4-5)

Learn all about bees and the roles they play in the ecosystem including their important connection to pollination and our food supply. While comparing bees to other insects, discovering their life stages, and learning how and why honey bees make honey, students will explore GESC’s hives and pollinator gardens. Students will also encounter a variety of pollinators learning how these important animals shape the world they live in.

 

ENERGY IN THE ECOSYSTEM (GRADE 6)

What are consumers? What are decomposers? How is the transfer of energy crucial to support biodiversity of living things? Through an owl pellet dissection, learners will investigate the key relationships in an ecosystem. Through a series of activities and observations, learners will study how different organisms have different energy needs to live.

 

ZOOM INTO MICROBIOLOGY (GRADES 6-8)

Observe the hidden world of microorganisms. Learners will investigate the micro-world by learning to prepare slides and observe protozoa and algae. Uncover the secret lives of these tiny creatures and how they support plant life. Using microscopes to view organisms harvested at GESC, learners will discover how to harvest their own, utilize inquiry-based process skills and tools such as microscopes and slide preparation, explore the unseen kingdoms of life, and focus on cell chemistry and homeostasis.

 

INQUIRY WITH ISOPODS (GRADES 6-8)

Join us at GESC for an authentic experience as your students practice using the scientific method. Learners will observe and work with live pillbugs, test variables, design an experiment, and test their hypothesis. We promise — no pillbugs will be harmed in this class!

 

WILDLIFE FORENSICS (GRADES 8-12)

Engage in the story of how DNA analysis is helping protect endangered wildlife. In this DNA gel electrophoresis lab experience, learners will develop a greater understanding of the scientific protocols and technical skills necessary to conduct this research. Upon completion of this lab, high school students are eligible for 3 hours of NYS lab time.

 

WATER QUALITY (GRADES 10-12)

Assess the water quality of GESC’s aquatic habitats by using probeware to conduct a variety of tests. Learners will understand how these tests are utilized to monitor NYC’s water sources and how humans impact the overall quality of the health of water.

 

GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOOD (GRADES 10-12)

What is a genetically modified organism? How do scientists detect if a food has been genetically modified? Help solve a mystery by conducting a DNA gel electrophoresis lab to discover the answers to these questions while also developing a deeper understanding of technical lab skills in DNA analysis.