Classroom Resources

Most of the resources below are FREE for teachers. If you are interested in obtaining a copy, please contact Judy at (860) 405-9303 (CT educators) or Jimena at (631) 632-8730 (NY educators).

Sound Health 2012

How does Long Island Sound measure up? Find out by downloading the Sound Health 2012 report. The report looks at indicators of the Sound’s health in the areas of water quality, coastal and animal populations, climate, habitats, and land use.  Learn more about the resources available here.  Have a question about Sound Health?
Check out Dr. K’s Blog for answers from a scientist.


Sound Health 2010

Sound Health 2010

This 2010 report on Long Island Sound is a great teaching tool, covering topics such as habitats, water quality, fish, coastal birds, and toxics. As an added bonus, the full set of environmental indicators that is used to produce the Sound Health report are available so you can use the data in the classroom, too. Classroom sets are available.


Long Island Sound Curricular Resource Guide

This 148-page guide is a resource for educators teaching about Long Island Sound (LIS) and provide teachers with background information about LIS, LIS activities and lesson plans, science lessons at a LIS field site, and resources. All lessons are aligned to the CT Science Frameworks, the NY Science Standards, the National Science Education Standards, and the Ocean Literacy Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts. Download free PDF here in 5 parts


Salt Marsh Plants

Salt Marsh Plants of Long Island Sound

This salt marsh 38-page guide has color illustrations and descriptions of common plants and a centerfold showing habitat.




Long Island Sound in a Jar

This 96-page illustrated compendium of fun, educational hands-on activities for youth, demonstrating the impacts of humans on aquatic ecosystems. Perfect for youth camp leaders, environmental groups, teachers, and families; ages 9-14. Download


A Student’s Guide to Common Phytoplankton of LIS

Funded by the EPA Long Island Sound Study Futures Fund, this new 60-page publication is now available for download in PDF. It is intended for students and teachers.  Download


Sound Health 2008

This report on Long Island Sound is a great teaching tool, covering topics such as habitats, water quality, fish, coastal birds, and toxics. Visit for podcasts and other materials that accompany the report. Classroom sets are available.


Sound Update

Long Island Sound Study’s newsletter, Sound Update is a great resource for educators. This newsletter comes out three times a year and each issue focuses on a different topic. Past issues have focused on climate change, clean water infrastructure, fish and fisheries, and wildlife in and around the Sound. Visit our web page for electronic copies of past issues. Hard copies and classroom sets are also available.


Sound Facts: Fun Facts about Long Island Sound

A fun and colorful, 72-page booklet about our favorite estuary–its biology, geology, chemical and physical parameters, and environmental concerns. Order a copy from CT Sea Grant.



Living Treasures

Living Treasures of Long Island Sound

Connecticut Sea Grant has revised its old favorite, “Plants and Animals of Long Island Sound.” “Living Treasures” has more beautiful line drawings and updated expanded text. Also in Spanish translation: Tesoros Vivientes.Order a copy from CT Sea Grant.


Sound Advice

Sound Advice

Published in 2002, Sound Advice is a handy guide to help homeowners maintain an environmentally safe home and garden. It also teaches homeowners how to avoid practices that  pollute our streams and rivers and ultimately Long Island Sound. 


Seaweeds of Long Island Sound

Seaweeds of Long Island Sound

This 104-page lavishly illustrated guide includes species identification and when, where, and how to collect and preserve the seaweeds of Long Island Sound. Many habitat views and microscopic images are included with pages for individual species. In addition, the Guide to Some Common Seaweeds of Long Island Sound’s Rocky Shores is a 2-sided illustrated laminated card that includes habitat and seasonal information and can be taken along on your shore walks or boat trips.


Aquatic Invasive Species of Long Island Sound Poster

A colorful poster depicting invasive species, with information on when they were reported in Long Island Sound.


Visual Guide to Long Island Sound Marine Invasive Species

A set of 18 field cards in full color, printed on heavy waterproof paper and hung on a key ring.



East River Estuary Guide

East River Estuary Guide and Coloring Book

Learn all about the East River Estuary with this Guide and Coloring book. For hard copies, please email Tori from the East River Crew.

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