Oyster Research Tank (ORT) Training

Duration

6.5 Hours (9:00am - 3:30pm)

Upcoming Trainings

July 30th, 2026
October 2nd, 2026
February 1st, 2027
All trainings on Governors Island

About

The Oyster Research Tank (ORT) program is one of BOP’s most popular educational initiatives and serves as an indoor complement to the Oyster Research Station (ORS) program. Participants in the ORT program set up an oyster tank in their classroom, and monitor their tank for water chemistry parameters such as ammonia levels and dissolved oxygen for their effects on oyster mortality and growth. An ORT can also serve as a frame for inquiry-based learning and authentic research via a number of different scientific methods, including: observational study (e.g. of animal behavior), experimental study (e.g. by varying tank parameters in comparison with control tank conditions), and engineering design (e.g. to optimize a tank’s biological filter).

In this session, teachers can expect to...
1) Learn through hands-on activities how to set up and monitor an oyster tank with students in your classroom
2) Explore BOPs accompanying ORT unit, and consider how it can be used in your classroom
3) Connect with other Billion Oyster Project teachers

Important Note

The ORT Training consists of 2 sessions, the training itself and a separate time to pick up oysters for your tank. Oyster pickups are held throughout the school year, about every other month, and will be communicated after completion of the in-person training session.

CTLE Credit

CTLE credits are provided through Billion Oyster Project.

Fees & Registration

Billion Oyster Project's Oyster Research Tank training costs $200. This flat fee--which covers training, tank, associated supplies and oysters--is made possible thanks to funding from the New York City Council members and other generous partners. This support also allows us to offer this training FREE to all Title 1 schools. Please inquire about a discount code if you are a teacher at a Title 1 school.

Please send your inquiry to [email protected], [email protected], and [email protected]

Thanks to the Billion Oyster Project partners and funders: New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin and Council Members Christopher Marte, Gale Brewer, Carmen De La Rosa, Shirley Aldebol, Vickie Paladino, James F. Gennaro, Shekar Krishnan, Julie Won, Joann Ariola, Alexa Avilés, Rita Joseph, Mercedes Narcisse, Kamillah Hanks, Frank Morano, Amanda Farías, Kayla Santosuosso and the New York City Department of Education.