After-School Science and Seamanship
Grade 3 - 12
May - October
Monday – Friday, 2:30 – 5:30 pm
30 students / 5 adult maximum
Click to download registration form and student waiver.
Our after-school program is a blend of our unique hands-on aquatic science program and the natural team-building activities of sail-training. Taking place on the “floating classroom” Spirit of Buffalo, students will rotate through a series of interactive Learning Stations in environmental, aquatic and nautical sciences while sailing our 73’ traditional schooner along Buffalo’s historic waterfront! Students will also work together in teams and individually to raise sails, steer and navigate around the harbor. Meets New York State Learning Standards in Science.
At each Learning Station students will utilize maps, visuals, live or preserved specimens, tools and nets to explore topics related to the Great Lakes aquatic environment.- Plankton and Pollution
- Benthic Communities
- Water Quality Testing
- Watershed Exploration
- Navigation and Applied Mathematics
- Invasive Species
- “Buffalo Wings” Birding Station
- Lake Tank and Great Lakes Biology
- Weather
- Buoyancy and Boat Building
Cost
$550 per groupFee Assistance Information/Application PDF | DOC
Deposit, Cancellation and Refund Policy PDF | DOC
Dates/Time
May, June, September, October2:30 – 5:30PM
Location
The Spirit of Buffalo is docked at the Canal Side/Central Wharf, next to the Erie County Naval and Serviceman’s Park. For school bus requests, please use the following address:1 Naval Park Cove
Buffalo, NY 14202
If you are running late or need additional directions the day of your program, please call Kate Hilliman, Program Director at (716) 796-8393.
Lunch/Snacks
Students may bring bag lunches, which will be stowed with other personal gear on the ship during the program. The Central Wharf has a large, open grassy area with picnic tables for eating lunch after the conclusion of the program. Five-hour programs include time for lunch. Please have students bring water bottles, especially in hot weather. If you require time for snack, please let us know ahead of time so we can accommodate.Weather
All programs are held rain or shine, except in the case of extreme weather. Cancellations due to normal weather are your choice. BUOE will provide high-quality raingear for students in the event of cold weather and/or rain. Please click HERE for our cancellation/refund policy.Please remind your students to wear layered clothing, as the weather is often cooler on the water, especially during the spring months. Winter hats, gloves and jackets are a good idea in May and even June!
Lifejackets
All participants under the age of 18 must wear a Type III life vest. Participants/chaparones over the age of 18 are welcome to wear a Type III life vest as long as all students are accommodated first.
