Rock! Pattern! Systems!

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 Rocks! Patterns! Systems! 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]

 

 

Overview

Grade 4

 

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

Kirke Wrench NPS Volunteer

How can patterns of change help us understand geologic and human activity?

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’s Framework and Curriculum Links:

Please click here for the Understanding by Design grid.

Please click here for the curriculum for Rock! Pattern! Systems!

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

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].