Living with the Land

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 Living with the Land Teacher Workshop will take place on (To Be Determined). Please check back for updates on the date and additional details.

 

Thank you for your interest in participating in Parks as Classrooms. Unfortunately, we are not currently accepting applications.

Please check our website in mid-August for updated information on our application process for the 2025-2026 school year. For questions, please email [e-mail]

 

 

Students plant native plants at the new Quartermaster Reach restored wetland, part of the Ramaytush Ohlone ancestral homeland.

NPS

Overview

Grade 6

ONLY BEING OFFERED IN THE SPRING

How does culture influence our relationship with the environment?

Living with the Land allows students to explore human relationship with the natural world from the perspective of Ohlone Indigenous knowledge and contrasting western science approaches. By observing the wetland’s past and present, students learn about what wetlands provide and how humans impact this habitat. The area called Crissy Field has changed greatly over time, reflecting the differing values of the people who have managed the land. Today, the restored wetland offers a rich habitat and an abundance of learning opportunities.

Living with the Land uses the Understanding by Design framework, incorporates Common Core Standards and Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies. The program is framed by the essential question- "How does culture influence our relationship with the environment?"

 

Soap Root

Linda Yamane

Program Structure

The Living with the Land program is structured in the following three-touch model:

1. Classroom Preparation – Pre-site classroom lessons are facilitated by NPS staff and the teacher. During this session, teachers will introduce students to Ramaytush Ohlone values. NPS staff will introduce students to pre-contact California history and comparing/contrasting indigenous knowledge and western science.

2. Field Session – Students investigate Crissy Marsh to understand human relationship to the land and the health of the ecosystem.

3. Classroom Assessment – Teacher will lead students on an opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned through writing or illustration.

Program’s Framework and Curriculum Links will be shared shortly.

 

Students investigate the tidal marsh shoreline.

NPS

How to Apply

Please check our website in mid-August for updated information on our application process for the 2025-2026 school year. For questions, please email [e-mail].

 

Duration:

1 minute, 28 seconds

Gregg Castro acknowledges Crissy Marsh as part of the Ohlone ancestral homeland, Yelamu.

 

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  Ohlone Values

  Gregg Castro describes Ohlone values that have been passed down through generations.

  Duration:

  2 minutes, 9 seconds

 

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  The Fog Song

  Gregg Castro shares a Rumsien Ohlone song.

  Duration:

  1 minute, 58 seconds

 

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  Real California History

  Gregg Castro explains the history of California that is often not taught: the treatment of Indigenous tribes, and the lasting impacts.

  Duration:

  3 minutes, 15 seconds