Point of Inquiry

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

 

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.

 

 

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?”

 

1870 view of Fort Point

NPS GOGA Park Archives

Program Structure

Point of Inquiry is available as either a ranger-led or self-guided program, giving educators the flexibility to choose the format that best fits their group’s needs and schedule.

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

• 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 the week prior to the field session.
• Field Session: Students investigate Fort Point with ranger guidance and conduct a history investigation.
• Classroom Assessment: Teachers guide students in post-visit lesson reflecting on their learning through writing or drawing.

The Self-Guided Program offers a more flexible version of the same model:

• Classroom Preparation: Optional teacher-led lessons.
• Field Session: Teachers lead the experience after a brief 15-30 minute ranger introduction.
• Classroom Assessment: Teachers facilitate a reflection activity post-visit.

 

How to Apply

Step 1: Educators must complete the Education Reservation Request Form found below.

Step 2: Park staff will reach out to accepted classes after October 15th, 2025 to schedule a date for your class visit and park visit. Please keep in mind, programs at Fort Point are only offered Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Step 3: New teachers must attend a Teacher Workshop to confirm program dates.

Step 4: Teachers complete pre-site lessons with students before the scheduled Ranger Class visit. Ranger visits the classroom virtually or in-person.

Step 5: Class attends in-person park visit.

Step 6: Teachers complete the post-site lesson and share student work with Rangers.