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"At the entrance to the New York/New Jersey estuary, two arms of land stretch across the water forming a natural gateway to the nation's greatest port. It is from this 'gate' that the Gateway National Recreation Area takes its name. Established on October 27, 1972 as America's first urban national park, Gateway provides recreational opportunities for residents and visitors in the Eastern United States' most densely populated area. Divided into three areas across two states, the park extends from Sandy Hook, New Jersey, through Staten Island, New York and into the Jamaica Bay and Rockaway Peninsula areas of Brooklyn and Queens, New York.
Visitors to these areas can explore a wildlife refuge, historic forts and airfields, extensive beach recreation areas, and cultural treasures that include the nation's oldest operating lighthouse, New York City's first municipal airport, and the oldest military site in the nation. " ~courtesy of the National Park Service web site
We at I.S. 318 have had a long and fruitful
relationship with the Gateway Program. The Jamaica Bay Site in
Brooklyn is home to the Gateway Environmental Study Center and
Ecology Village. I.S. 318 staff members use the site as a resource
for social studies and science lessons, staff development, field
trips, inquiry-based field studies and recreation. Our students
have engaged in various field trips to Gateway to learn about
the social and natural history of the area and to take part in
Project Feeder Watch, marine studies, water quality/limnology
experiments, landfill studies, beach combing, hiking, bird watching,
photography, gardening, camping and various other environmental
activities. Rangers and staff members have visited our school
to volunteer their time, learn about compost and teach us about
ecology.
In addition, I.S. 318 and Gateway staff have worked together to develop various curricula; specifically, we helped establish the new waste reduction component to their existing camping program and created a new and improved orienteering course at Ecology Village. We have also assisted in staff development for teachers, and our students have designed and built compost bins for their garden as well as presented "Intro to Composting" workshops at their annual Winter Wonders conference.
Twice a year I.S. 318 students are treated to the Ecology Village Overnight Camping Experience, where they engage in a host of cooperative learning-based ecological activities such as cookouts, hikes and orienteering.
PHOTO GALLERY: Click here to see our students and staff in action with our friends at Gateway!
GATEWAY LINKS:
Gateway National Recreation Area
Gateway Environmental Study Center
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LINKS