Rock! Pattern! Systems!

Limited Access to Point Bonita Lighthouse

Please note: The suspension bridge to the lighthouse is currently closed for maintenance and will remain closed for the foreseeable future. School groups are still welcome to enjoy the scenic viewing platform during a ranger-led program, but access to the bridge and lighthouse is temporarily unavailable. 

 

Teacher Workshop

Please keep in mind that this program requires all teachers new to the program to attend a virtual 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

Grade 4

 

Students look at ranger and raise their hands at Point Bonita.

Kirke Wrench NPS Volunteer

How do patterns of change shape our world?

The Rock! Pattern! Systems! program ignites the imagination of young geologists as they experience the Marin Headlands—a place known for its unique geologic remnants of underwater volcanoes. Through hybrid learning, students utilize copies of the first complete world map of the ocean floor to investigate rock patterns that reveal information about Earth's forces, such as earthquakes and volcanoes. Teachers and the Golden Gate National Recreation Area education team engage students in science practices by making observations, collecting data and asking questions in the classroom and field-visit to the Point Bonita Lighthouse. Additionally, the program integrates culturally relevant pedagogy that centers Chinese immigrant laborers and highlights indigenous people. The multifaceted curriculum will result in students developing a personal connection to the landscapes rocks and human experience.

The Rock! Pattern! Systems! program uses the Understanding by Design framework and aligns with the K-12 Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core Standards. It’s framed by the essential question – “How can patterns of change help us understand geologic and human activity?”

Click on the links below to assess the programs framework and curriculum.

Program Structure

The Rock! Pattern! Systems! program is structured in the following three-touch model:

• Classroom preparation – Pre-trip lessons delivered by the teacher and a virtual or in-person class visit from an NPS rangers will prepare students for the field session. During these sessions, students will explore different characteristics of human change and use a model to map out patterns of ancient underwater rock formations.

• Field visit – During the park experience, students investigate seafloor rock types, engage in scientific inquiry, and examine cause-and-effect relationships of human and geologic activity on the Point Bonita Lighthouse trail.

• Classroom Assessment – the post-trip lesson is led by the teacher. Students transfer their knowledge through evidence-based writings and/or drawings of the environmental and human changes they see in their community.

 

Sea lions on pillow basalt at Point Bonita

NPS Volunteer/ Suzanne Garcia

How to Apply

Important Note About Application Submissions: Please note that you will not receive a confirmation email after submitting your application. Once you click "Submit," a thank-you message will appear in a popup at the bottom of the page. However, this message may not be immediately visible—you may need to scroll all the way down to see it.

Step 1: Complete the Education Reservation Request Form.

Step 2: Park staff will contact accepted classes after October 15th, 2025 to schedule visit dates.

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

Step 4: Teachers complete pre-site lessons before your classroom ranger visit (virtual or in-person), attend your in-park visit, and complete post-visit lessons after.