Frequently Asked Questions
Celebrating 20 years of “learning science by doing science"
Since 2004, eight of New York City’s leading cultural institutions — including museums, zoos, and botanical gardens — have worked with the New York City Public Schools to support high-quality research-based science instruction in the city’s elementary and middle schools. Urban Advantage includes the American Museum of Natural History, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, the New York Botanical Garden, the New York Hall of Science, the Queens Botanical Garden, the Staten Island Zoo, the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium, and the New York City Public Schools, with leadership funding from the New York City Council.
Urban Advantage’s Six Research-based Components
UA is designed to support the science goals of the public-school system and supports grades 3-8. It is founded on six key components designed to support schools, principals, teachers, students and families. Click on each of the six components below to learn more:
what we do
Teacher participants order classroom materials with an annual budget during their first years of participation.
why we do it
Students and Teachers practice phenomena-based science in materials-rich classrooms, enabling deeper exploration of concepts and practices.
Effect on students
Students learn in classrooms that are annually enriched with curriculum-supporting and extending science materials and equipment.
what we do
UA continuously reviews course effectiveness, and the program's impacts on student learning and teacher growth.
why we do it
Through our own internal research, and through partnerships with renowned universities, UA has looked at long-term impacts on student outcomes and teacher retention. Recently, we have begun measuring UA’s effect on teacher social networks.
Effect on students
Students are more likely to learn from seasoned teachers and to have improved test scores. UA Students are more likely to have veteran teachers with more years of experience teaching at their UA school, as UA participation helps schools retain science teachers. UA students are also more likely to take and pass the Living Environment Regents exam and to score higher on state tests.
what we do
Parent Coordinator workshops, family and student events at institutions, and partner attendance at school events.
why we do it
UA’s Family Engagement initiative creates events for families to explore, learn about, and make memories at partner institutions. UA holds annual PC workshops to help plan and execute school community trips and to help PCs gain valuable professional learning experience. Partners also attend school events to support learning and expand access to the whole school community.
Effect on students
Students participate in Scientific Exploration with their families. Students who learned in UA-participating schools have consistently been prompted to seek intergenerational knowledge, to ask curiosity questions, and to make connections, all practices that support solid science practice and family engagement.
what we do
UA creates and encourages opportunities for students and families to explore UA institutions. Teachers and parent coordinators have access for curriculum- and family engagement-supporting trips.
why we do it
Students and Teachers learn to see UA institutions and their staff as extensions of their classrooms. Access and comfort with the institutions support student growth and interest in the sciences, teacher retention, and public school partnership with the local institutions.
Effect on students
Students feel at Home in NYC’s Science-Rich Cultural Institutions. Students that spend any portion of elementary and/or middle school at a UA-participating school will have had experience on school group trips to our institutions and the opportunity to visit with their families for the duration of their education.
what we do
UA's PL focuses on science pedagogy and helps teachers transfer what they learn to their classrooms through immersive experiences with reflection, planning, and participation in communities of practice.
why we do it
Participants form a community of science teachers from across the city. The courses they take concentrate in areas of focus that expand the understanding of what teaching and learning science looks like in a comprehensive, research-informed way.
Effect on students
Students learn from teachers well versed in research-based pedagogical practices and methods. Teachers who complete UA’s PL courses lead classrooms that center student voice and interests, employ current local phenomena, and use reflective practice to ensure students are learning in the best environment possible.
what we do
UA’s Lead Teacher and Fellows Programs aid in the promotion of school-based expert teacher leaders.
why we do it
Participating in UA’s Fellows or Lead Teacher programs enables teachers to delve further into their practice, expertise, and deepen their experience. These teachers become models and leaders in their schools.
Effect on students
Students explore science comprehensively.UA Students are taught by teachers who learn from and work alongside those in the Fellows and Lead Teacher program. This offers teachers the unique opportunity to trust the methods being taught, as they have been tried and tested for efficacy. Students then learn in classrooms that are evidence-based, responsive, and informed.
Learn how UA supports the NYC Public School's science initiatives and the NY State Science standards by clicking here
Frequently Asked Questions from Students and Families
I have vouchers. How can I use them?
You can learn more about this here.
I don’t have vouchers. How can I get them?
Find out if you’re entitled to UA vouchers here.
Frequently Asked Questions from Teachers not in UA
How do I become a UA teacher?
You can learn more about this here.
Does my school participate in UA?
You can find this out for your school by clicking here.
How does my school join UA?
You can learn more about this here.
Frequently Asked Questions from UA Teachers
If you need assistance with your UA program questions such as logging into your UA portal account (including password issues), changing your professional learning course, updating your UA record, assistance with orders or other general questions please go to https://myua.amnh.org and use the CONTACT US option or log in and go to the HELP tab.
Frequently Asked Questions from UA Parent Coordinators
If you need assistance with your UA program questions such as logging into your UA portal account (including password issues), changing your professional learning course, updating your UA record, or other general questions please go to https://myua.amnh.org and use the CONTACT US option or log in and go to the HELP tab.
How does the Urban Advantage program help my school?
The Urban Advantage Program (UA) is a school science initiative that supports students, families, teachers and the school community in science education and investigations. Learn more here.
Who are the UA Partners?
There are eight UA partner institutions in all 5 NYC boroughs. Visit the ‘Visit UA Institutions’ to learn more about each institution.
What types of vouchers do UA schools receive? How do I get them?
There are 4 voucher types: Class Trip (blue), School Community Trip (yellow), Teacher/Parent Coordinator Pre-Planning (ivory) and Student+3 (green). Vouchers are delivered to schools via FedEx in the Fall. Refer to the UA at a Glance document for details. To learn more, click here then select “Teachers” then “View additional resources.”
Which institution should I select for our School Community Trip?
Each institution offers wonderful experiences for visitors. It is recommended that you consult with UA teachers, administrators and families when choosing a destination. Encourage your families to visit the ‘Plan Your Trip’ page to view upcoming events at all of our institutions. The Parent Coordinator Pre-Planning vouchers are a good tool for learning more about an institution.
How do I arrange for free bus transportation?
First, decide on a date, destination and time for your School Community Trip. Next, contact the institution you plan to visit and make any necessary reservations. Then, submit a bus request in the myUA Portal (https://myua.amnh.org) under the ‘School Visits and Buses’ tab. See the School Community Trip Planning Packet for details.
How many student and family members can go on a family trip?
Urban Advantage provides at least 2 free buses to each school. Each bus can hold up to 44 adults. Each School Community Trip voucher can accommodate 40 people.
How should I sign up families?
Once you have decided on a date and destination, let the families of UA students know so that they can sign up for the trip. Use email, phone trees, or a letter to inform your parents. Promoting trips at other family events is also a good practice.
Who should I contact with questions or problems about vouchers or family trips?
Use the ‘Contact Us’ feature at the myUA Portal (https://myua.amnh.org) for any voucher or School Community Trip related questions or concerns, including requests for additional vouchers.
