Support Harbor Middle's 8th Grade Education In Costa Rica

The inaugural class of the recently formed Harbor Middle School in Brooklyn, New York (P.S. 676, the Red Hook Neighborhood School) plans to go to Costa Rica as the culmination of their education in environmental issues, ecological sciences, and hands-on learning.

But it's expensive — and outside the means of many of our students' families. That's why we're asking YOU to help the entire class get to this one-of-a-kind learning experience.

A trip to Costa Rica would continue the real-world education that the students have received — by stepping out from the watery shores of Red Hook and into one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.

About The Curriculum:

The Harbor Middle School curriculum was built around the idea that students learn best when they are actively engaged in making a positive impact on the world. We envision this Costa Rica trip as a culmination of their studies where, through partnerships with the Billion Oyster Project, RETI center, and so many other New York City-based environmental non-profits, they have learned stewardship, conservation ecology, and field-based science.

In their first two years, our founding class, now 8th graders, learned about NYC’s vulnerability to climate change and environmental hazards, built functioning model wind turbines, revitalized street tree pits as pollinator gardens, designed proposals for an environmental justice field station, built a hydroponic lab classroom from scratch, analyzed water quality from our harbor, and developed proposals for how to combat environmental and health injustices within our community. This year our students will address some of the most rigorous scientific study they have encountered to date. With nearly half of the school year devoted to studying life sciences, students will unpack the challenging concepts of evolution by natural selection, species adaptation, and the role of genetics in conservation biology.

In this, our third “mission” (project-based unit of study) students will play the role of conservation biologists and bioethicists who will explore the advantages and disadvantages of different strategies for restoring and protecting Costa Rica's biodiversity. The mission will culminate in a structured “big bioethics debate,” during which students will engage in thoughtful discussion on the ethical implications of gene editing as a tool for conservation. Students will apply their understanding of animal behaviors and plant structures, growth of organisms, genetic mutations, and reproduction to build their conservation arguments. They will draw on empirical evidence, ethical considerations, and the potential risks and benefits of different conservation efforts. Our students will arrive in Costa Rica—a one-of-a-kind laboratory for students to explore and understand complex ecological concepts—grounded in a deep knowledge of conservation ecology and will be ready to dive into learning about it first-hand.

Paying It Forward:

We are partnering with ETA Travel Adventures, renowned for their expertise in planning and organizing educational tours. Their support has helped us design a well-structured itinerary that aligns with our educational goals. By visiting places like La Selva Biological Station, students will be able to connect their classroom knowledge to diverse ecosystems and real-world challenges, inspiring students to become active stewards of our planet.

Furthermore, this trip is more than just a one-time event. We envision making this a tradition for each graduating class, providing future students with similar transformative experiences. Your support will not only impact this cohort but will also lay groundwork for years to come, fostering a culture of giving and opportunity at Harbor Middle School.

Our Goals:

This fundraiser's aim is to pay the way for as many of the students at Harbor Middle School, a public New York City school in Red Hook Brooklyn, as possible. Our goal is to cover the entire cost of the trip, so any in-roads we can make helps to unburden the parents and fundraising needs of the students.

As such, we are seeking generous donors like you to help us achieve our goal. Your contribution will directly fund travel, accommodations, and educational activities for all participating students, ensuring an enriching and equitable experience for everyone. By investing in this trip, you are investing in the future leaders of our world — students who are informed, engaged, and ready to make a difference.

About Harbor Middle School:

Founded on the belief that students learn best when they are able to explore and address authentic and critical issues facing their communities and the surrounding harbor through place-based projects. In all of our classes and electives, we strive to build upon student curiosities, strengths, and diverse identities to develop the knowledge and skills to build a more climate resilient, sustainable, and inclusive community and waterfront.