Living Classroom

Living Classroom is a pre-K to sixth-grade STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) program that brings the great outdoors into the classroom, utilizing the natural shoreline for hands-on experiential learning.

• All classes are seventy-five minutes and taught by experienced RISE educators.
• All classes are conducted during the regular school day at RISE, situated one block from the Atlantic Ocean and Jamaica Bay, where there is an abundance of natural resources to explore.
• Programming is FREE to all Rockaway public schools. Minimum program fee for private schools, charters, or public schools outside the Rockaway peninsula. (See rates below.)

BOOK A CLASS NOW!
Class field trips are offered every Wednesday and Thursday, October through November, at 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. BOOK HERE on Explorable Places.

RISE is currently offering the following classes:

THE LIVING SHORELINE
This class will focus on the ecosystems that surround coastal communities. Students will learn about the animals and plants that can be found in and around the oceans and bays in coastal areas like the Rockaways, including oysters, dune plants, fish, and sharks. After a brief discussion inside, students will get the opportunity to explore those wildlife communities. Activity dependent on tide, weather, and season. This class takes place at RISE (58-03 Rockaway Beach Boulevard, Far Rockaway, NY 11692).

BIRDS OF THE ROCKAWAYS
This class will focus on native shorebirds and their importance to the well-being of the ecosystem. Emphasis will be placed on native avian fauna of the Rockaways. Students will learn the basics of bird identification and behavior, as well as how to use binoculars, before they head outside to try their skills on the boardwalk, where they will get the chance to see a variety of different birds and work on a collaborative project. Each workshop involves hands-on activities outdoors. This class takes place at the brand-new Arverne East Welcome Center (190 Beach 44th Street, Far Rockaway, NY 11691).

FEES
Include instruction and class supplies for each student.

• All classes for Rockaway public schools are FREE!
• Pricing for public schools outside the Rockaways is $10 per student; maximum 30 students. Groups with less than 25 students cost a flat rate of $250.
• Pricing for private school groups is $15 per student; maximum 30 students. Groups with less than 25 students cost a flat rate of $375.
• Homeschool groups should e-mail programs@riserockaway.org for pricing.