Parks as Classrooms

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

 

Educational Opportunities at Golden Gate National Recreations Area's Parks As Classrooms uses the Understanding by Design framework, and incorporates California Common Core Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies. Our inquiry-based park programs can be timed to introduce concepts, reinforce understanding, or stimulate culminating projects within a teaching unit. Programs are typically structured in three parts: a classroom preparation, a national park field session, and classroom assessments in which students demonstrate what they have learned. Teachers are provided with resources, including program curriculum and supporting materials.

The first step is to choose the program best suited for your class and follow the guidance below to submit an Education Reservation Request Form application.

 

How to Participate in Parks as Classrooms

Parks as Classrooms programs follow a three-touch model designed to give your students the most meaningful connection to the site. To participate, your class will need to:

1. Complete pre-visit lessons before the ranger-led presentation to help students build background knowledge.
2. Schedule a 55-minute ranger-led presentation to take place 1 to 7 days before your field trip.
3. Complete a post-visit lesson to reflect on and wrap up the experience.

Ranger Led Education Programs

PARKS AS CLASSROOMS programs in Golden Gate National Parks actively engage students in place-based learning and caring for national parks and their own communities. Designed by park staff, classroom teachers, students, and leaders of community organizations, park education programs encourage student achievement through innovative pedagogy and authentic experiences in the park. The goals and principles of the K-12 program confirm Golden Gate's commitment to relevant inquiry-based learning linked to school curricula. 

Please consider the following information when requesting a ranger led education program.

• Education Programs are only offered Tuesday-Friday.
• Due to limited staffing at each park site, we ask that classes only apply to one of the program offerings throughout Golden Gate National Recreation Area: Muir Woods, Marin Headlands, Alcatraz, Fort Point, and Crissy Field. Program locations can ONLY accommodate 1 class per day.
• Ranger-led programs generally last 2-4 hours, not including driving or lunch time. Expect total time of field trips (travel to site, program, lunch) to be approximately 3-6 hours (see program website for approximate duration).
• Chaperones are expected to attend and support each program – 1 per 10 student ratio.
• New teachers are expected to attend a Teacher Workshop to be considered for a program – workshop dates will be announced on each program website.

 

Primary

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  Grades K - 5

  Rings, Ripples and Echoes

  Students navigate through the magical realms of the Redwood Creek Watershed of Muir Woods on a self-guided inquiry-based journey.

• 

  Grades K - 2

  Habitat Detectives

  Rangers will provide an overview of Crissy Field and the Presidio Tunnel Tops.

• 

  Grades 3 - 4

  Into the Redwood Forest

  How can nature teach us about community? As naturalists, students explore Muir Woods, a rare sanctuary for ancient redwoods.

• 

  Grade 4

  Point of Inquiry

  Ranger provides an introduction to Fort Point and inspires using observations to learn more about the history of the fort.

• 

  Grade 4

  Rock! Pattern! Systems!

  How can patterns of change help us understand geologic and human activity? Students explore the changing landscapes at Point Bonita.

 

Secondary

• 

  Grades 5 - 8

  Alcatraz Uncovered

  How can archeology deepen my understanding of a place? Students use archeological methods to uncover layers of history at Alcatraz Island.

• 

  Grade 6

  Living with the Land

  Students explore human relationships with the natural world from the perspectives of Ohlone Indigenous knowledge and western science.

• 

  Grades 6 - 8

  Rocks on the Move

  How do I recognize geologic change in my environment? Students consider how our communities adapt to climate change by investigating rocks.

• 

  Grades 9 - 12

  Alcatraz Occupation: Power in Community

  What motivates a community to take civic action? Students focus on the 1969 –1971 American Indian Occupation on Alcatraz Island.

• 

  Grades 9 - 12

  Prisoners of Conscience

  What is the cost of resistance? Engage your students with the unknown history of the political prisoners of Alcatraz.

• 

  Grade 11-12

  Forests for the Future

  Explore how redwoods and communities can mitigate environmental changes through a blend of inquiry science and cultural history.