Habitat Detectives

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. Please check back for updates on the date and additional details.

 

Currently not accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year.

 

 

Overview

Grades K –2^nd

 

Students investigate the structure of a flower.

Francis NG

How does a healthy habitat help living things thrive?

Habitat Detectives immerses your curious detectives into Crissy Marsh, a wetland where the salty waters of San Francisco Bay meet the freshwater of the Presidio's largest watershed. Through hybrid learning, students will be introduced to the components of a healthy habitat and the structure and function of living beings. Students will use their senses, scientific tools, and inquisitive minds to investigate the diversity of life that is found in Crissy Marsh.

Habitat Detectives uses the Understanding by Design framework and aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards for kinder-2nd grade. The program is framed by the essential question - How does a healthy habitat help living things thrive?

 

Program Structure

The Habitat Detectives program curriculum is divided into two versions to best meet the needs of lower elementary curriculum. Both versions will be offered in two different formats: Ranger-Led and Self-Guided (Teacher-Led). Please review the chart below and program options to assess which one best suits the needs of your students.

Grade Band	Topics Covered	Ranger-Led Classroom Visit Format	Ranger-Led Park Visit Overview	Self-Guided Park Visit Overview
Kinder-1st	Habitat components, habitat diversity, animal adaptations.	Virtual (Length: 30 mins)	Exploration of Crissy Marsh Habitat Components (Length: 2 hrs, not including lunch)	Exploration of Crissy Marsh Habitat Components (Length: 1-2 hrs, including 15 minute Ranger Introduction)
2nd	Plant structure and function, pollinator adaptations, pollination.	In-Person (Length 45 mins-1 hr)	Exploration of Crissy Marsh Plants and Pollinators (Length: 2 hrs, not including lunch)	Exploration of Crissy Marsh Plants and pollinators. (Length: 1-2 hrs, including 15 minute Range Introduction).

 

 

Ranger-Led Programs

The Ranger-Led Program follows a three-touch model structure as follows:

1. Classroom Preparation – Teachers will lead a lesson to prepare students for the Ranger-Led classroom component. In order to provide the best possible experience for your students, we require that you schedule a ranger-led presentation for your class, to take place between 1 to 7 days prior to the field trip. The presentations will cover key educational themes related to the site and its resources. A ranger leads a virtual presentation lesson (kinder-1st Grade) or In-person Classroom visit (2nd grade) to prepare students for the park field session. 
2. Field Session – Students engage in an investigation of Crissy Marsh and discuss key concepts connecting to K-2nd grade Next Generation Science Standards. 
3. Classroom Assessment – Teacher will lead students on an opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned through writing or illustration.

 

Self-Guided Programs

The Self-Guided Program follows a more flexible three-touch model with optional components and more Teacher-Led instruction:

1. Classroom Preparation – Teacher leads an optional lesson to prepare students for the park field session. 
2. Field Session – Students engage in an investigation of Crissy Marsh and discuss key concepts connecting to K-2nd grade Next Generation Science Standards. Teachers are responsible for developing their group's experience after 15 minute Ranger introduction. 
3. Classroom Assessment – Teacher will lead students on an opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned through writing or illustration.

 

How to Apply

Currently not accepting applications for the 2025-2026 school year.