The Science Barge

Dates & Locations:
The Science Barge operates from May 4 - October 31.

Tentative 2007 schedule:
Site 1: Hudson River Park's Pier 84 at West 44th St. May – June
Site 2: Riverside Park at West 72nd St. July--August
Site 3: Stuyvestant Cove Park at East 23rd St. September-- October

Costs:
Currently, we do not charge admission at the Science Barge. We rely on donations and sponsors to enable programming for the public, school groups, and youth camp audience. We do have a registration fee; see group registration form for details.

Science Barge Tour Description
~ 1 hour guided tour for public and group visits ~

An introduction to the Science Barge as an integrated, sustainable production system, followed by a tour of our four stations:

1. Greenhouse horticulture
Come learn about the advantages of hydroponic food production. Topics include water conservation, plant nutrition, cultivation techniques, integrative pest management, pollinating with bumble bees, and more!

2. Renewable energy
What is renewable energy and how does it work? Come see demonstrations and learn about the benefits of solar, wind, and biofuel power sources. Watch a passive solar trackers and a wind turbine in action, and tour the battery bank and electronics that allow us to combine three different sustainable power sources.

3. River science
The Hudson River Estuary is an important natural habitat that also supports the commercial, industrial and recreational life of the city. Learn about the ecology of our surrounding waterways, including local estuarine dynamics, the role of oxygen in sustaining marine life, and the relationship between agriculture, river health, and coastal pollution.

4. Sustainable living
How can you incorporate sustainability into your home, office, and community? Learn simple ways to make sustainable decisions when purchasing new products from light bulbs to flooring materials. Examine the materials used in the construction of the Science Barge and learn why they were chosen.

Science Barge Field Study:A Day in the Life of a Scientist
~ 1-2 hour program can be added to any group visit ~

Participate in our learning laboratory! Work side by side with the Science Barge Team on projects studying river water quality, creating potable water from rain and the river, monitoring energy demand and production, developing urban greenhouse best management practices, and more.

Activities that may be incorporated into your visit include: seeding, harvesting, fruit grading, sugar content, climate data, pest monitoring, energy production and use, river water testing, and others.

Supplemental Materials: under construction!
This section will include pre- visit lesson plans, follow-up lesson plans, living environment curriculum, environmental science curriculum, NYS science standards, and more to come.

Getting There/Parking:
Site dependent. Please call or email for details.