Into the Redwood Forest

Teacher Workshop

Please keep in mind that this program requires all teachers new to the program to attend a teacher workshop prior to class participation. The Into the Redwood Forest teacher workshop will take place on October 26th, 2024.

 

The Education Reservation Request Forms are now closed for the 2024-2025 school year. Education programs for Into the Redwood Forest are at full capacity. For questions, please email [e-mail]

 

 

Grades 3 - 4

Overview

 

NPS Ranger, asking students, what do you see up there?

NPS Volunteer/ Debbie Piattelli

How can nature teach us about community?

Into the Redwood Forest Immerses your students in the magic of Muir Woods National Monument, one of the last remaining old-growth redwood forests in the Bay Area. Through both individual and small group work, students use plant identification cards and information about the Coast Miwok relationship to the woods to familiarize themselves with the habitats and history of the forest. At the woods, students investigate and pose information questions and questions for deeper meaning as they construct their own understanding of survival and adaptation the redwood forest.

Into the Redwood Forest uses the Understanding by Design framework and aligns with the K-12 Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core Standards. The program is framed by the essential question - " How can nature teach us about community?"

Program’s Framework and Curriculum Links:

The curriculum is available upon request for teachers.

Program Structure

Into the Redwood Forest programs are structured in the following three-touch model:

1. Classroom Preparation - Teachers complete three pre-lessons supported by park-provided resources, emphasizing the use of scientific inquiry to explore observation, inference, environmental assessment, and social community well-being. Subsequently, students will analyze both their surroundings and the societal vitality of their communities. Please share details about preferred NPS staff visit in the Education Reservation Request Form.
2. Field Session - Field Session – During the park experience, students explore the remnants of an ancient forest at Muir Woods. Please share details about preferred field visit date in the Education Reservation Request Form.

3. Classroom Assessment - opportunities for students to demonstrate what they have learned through inquiry investigations. Please email or mail back student work to NPS staff.

 

How to Apply

Step 1: Educators must complete the Education Reservation Request Form.

Step 2: Park staff will reach out to accepted classes after September 24, 2024 to schedule a date for your class visit and park visit. Please keep in mind, programs at Muir Woods are only offered Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Step 3: New teachers must attend a Teacher Workshop to confirm program dates.

Step 4: Teachers complete pre-site lessons with students before the scheduled Ranger Class visit. Ranger visits the classroom virtually or in-person.

Step 5: Class attends in-person park visit.

Step 6: Teachers complete the post-site lesson and share student work with Rangers.

 

Nature Guides

• Animal Guide
• Plant Guide

Visit the Save the Redwoods League website for more information about redwood forests.