Bethpage High School welcomed the district’s third graders on May 21–22 for its annual Maritime Festival, a beloved tradition that brings sea life education to life through hands-on learning experiences led by high school students.
Guided by high schoolers enrolled in forensics and environmental science courses, the younger students rotate through a variety of sea-themed stations spread across the high school, each one designed to educate and inspire curiosity about Long Island’s marine ecosystems.
One of the most popular stops featured two touch pools where students had the rare chance to interact with live marine animals - including lobsters, horseshoe crabs and eels. Another station gave students the opportunity to watch a fish dissection and see their internal organs, including the heart, while learning about fish anatomy and biology.
The exploration didn’t stop there. Students headed down to the high school pool to view scuba diving gear up close, tried their hand at fish printing in the lobby, learned how to make marine-style ropes and explored the oceanic food chain through games and demonstrations. Each activity was thoughtfully designed by the high schoolers to balance fun with scientific understanding, making the event both memorable and educational.
Adding to the nautical atmosphere, Bethpage High School musicians performed maritime-inspired selections in the school lobby, including the ever-popular “How Far I’ll Go” from “Moana,” creating a joyful soundtrack to accompany the day’s festivities.
The Bethpage Maritime Festival is more than just a field trip - it’s a celebration of the local environment and a reminder of the responsibility we all share in protecting it. By introducing students at a young age to the wonders of marine life right in their own backyard, the festival helps to foster a lasting connection to Long Island’s coastal ecosystems while sparking excitement for the academic and extracurricular opportunities that await them at Bethpage High School.
