Point of Inquiry

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 Point of Inquiry 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]

 

 

Brick masonry arches of Fort Point

Overview

Grade 4

How can buildings and artifacts help us to see the history of a place?

Point of Inquiry allows students to take on the role of history detectives at Fort Point National Historic Site. Designed at the height of the Gold Rush, the Fort played an important role in the protection of the San Francisco Bay against potential enemy attacks. Students will understand and reflect on the impact of the Gold Rush on the area.

This inquiry-based program teaches students to use observations, inferences and questions to uncover the layers of history at the fort. Through this investigation of cultural resources, students will learn that buildings and artifacts can tell powerful stories about the people and events in their own communities.

The Point of Inquiry 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 buildings and artifacts help us to see the history of a place?”

Program’s Framework and Curriculum Links will be shared shortly

 

1870 view of Fort Point

NPS GOGA Park Archives

Program Structure

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

1. Classroom Preparation – Teachers complete 3 pre-lessons delivered with resources provided by the park addressing observation and inference using artifacts and historic photographs. 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 essays and inquiry investigations. Please email or mail back student work to NPS staff.

Program’s Framework and Curriculum Links will be shared shortly

 

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].