Grades 11-12
Overview
How can redwoods and communities help mitigate environmental changes?
Forests for the Future engages students in an in-depth investigation of the redwood forest ecosystem at Muir Woods National Monument, challenging them to uncover the crucial role that redwoods play in mitigating environmental changes. Through firsthand exploration the program encourages students to question, analyze, and reimagine the narratives of climate action, focusing on how the unique ecology of redwoods intersects with broader environmental and social challenges.
The Forest for the Future 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 redwoods and communities help mitigate environmental changes?"
Program’s Framework and Curriculum Links will be shared shortly
Program Structure
Forest for the Future 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.
