Faces of Fort Point

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 Faces of Fort Point teacher workshop will take place on Saturday, October 14th, 2023.

 

Applications for 2023-2024 school year are now live, please complete the Education Reservation Request Form. For instructions on applying, please see the How to Apply section.

 

 

A group of students wave from the second floor of Fort Point

NPS Photo

Overview

Grade 8

How can historical inquiry reveal lost narratives?

Faces of Fort Point engages students in firsthand analysis of primary and secondary sources to uncover the hidden stories of individuals who lived and worked at Fort Point.

Completed at the onset of the Civil War, Fort Point played an important role in the protection of the San Francisco Bay against potential enemy attacks. Students will learn to challenge traditional narratives by using historic sources to analyze the role of California in the Civil War and reveal the untold stories of the people who lived and worked at Fort Point.

This inquiry-based program teaches students how to interpret sources and understand how historical narratives can be shaped by interpretation. Through this analysis of historic resources, students will learn that historic inquiry can result in the discovery of lost perspectives which enhance our understanding of the past.

The Faces of Fort Point program uses the Understanding by Design framework and aligns with California K-12 History–Social Science Content Standards and Common Core Standards. The program is framed by the essential question - "How can historical inquiry reveal lost narratives?”

Program’s Framework and Curriculum Links will be shared shortly

 

Students read an exhibit sign inside Fort Point as part of their historical investigation.

NPS Photo

Program Structure

The Faces of Fort Point program is structured in the following three-touch model:

1. Classroom Preparation – Teachers complete 3 pre-lessons delivered with resources provided by the park to prepare students for the field session. A pre-visit lesson by NPS staff is also offered before the field session – please share details about preferred NPS staff visit in the Education Reservation Request Form.
2. Field Session – The fort experience in which students conduct a history investigation. 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 writing or drawing activities. Please email or mail back student work to NPS staff.

 

How to Apply

Please fill out the Education Reservation Request Form to apply to an education program for your class (1 per classroom). Failure to complete this form may result in the inability to participate in program.

• Pre-virtual visits with NPS staff are only offered on Wednesdays.
• Field visit –In-person field sessions are only offered Tuesdays, Thursday and Fridays.
  • Program Duration: 10 AM -1 PM (start to finish) - We may be able to accommodate your school schedule, please let us know in your application.
  • Please do NOT request in-person field trip sessions on late or early release school dates.

Program Registration Instructions

1. Fully complete Section 1, under Contact Information
   - In the “Describe Need” box, please let us know if you need any special accommodations for students in your class.
   Note: Only the first floor of the fort is accessible by wheelchair.

2. Complete the following for section 2, under Park Visit/Field Trip:
   - You do not need to complete contact information again, please go directly to the grade section.
   - Complete:

   Grade	Number of Students	Number of Chaperones
   Preferred Date of Visit (Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays)	Preferred Program Start Time	Alternative Date(s) (Be sure to include 2 alternative dates)
   Anticipated Arrival Time (Skip this part)	Anticipated Departure Time (Programs last 3 hours)	Mode of Transportation

3. Skip Section
4. Complete the following for section 4, under Group Details – Virtual/Distance Learning Program (to schedule a virtual pre-lesson with a ranger). You do not need to complete contact information again, please go directly to the grade section.

Complete:

Grade (Skip this section)	Number of Students (Skip this section)
Preferred Date of Program (Please keep in mind that pre-visit lessons with NPS staff are only offered on Wednesdays– preferably the week of your scheduled field session)	Alternative Date(s) (please be sure alternative dates are only on Wednesdays)
Preferred Program Start Time (Pre-visit lessons are 1 hour)	Time Zone of Classroom (Skip this section – programs are only offered to local Bay Area students)

5. After completing the Education Reservation Request form, please email a signed copy to [e-mail].

   • Please have the name of the requested program in the email Subject line.

Please Note--
Due to a high volume of requests, it will take a couple of business days to be contacted by a ranger.