Rocks on the Move

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 on the Move teacher workshop will take place on Saturday, October 21st, 2023.

 

Please note that we are no longer accepting applications for this school year 2023-2024.

 

 

NPS Ranger Socorro, Volunteer Sarah, and students walk on the Point Bonita trail.

NPS Volunteer Kirke Wrench

Overview

Grades 6 - 8

How can I recognize geologic change in my environment?

Rocks on the Move brings young geologists to the scenic hills of the Marin Headlands, where the theory of plate tectonics unfolds in the landscape around them. Through both individual and small group work, students use historic photos, data from local scientific studies, and framed transparencies to find evidence of deep seafloor processes, including volcanism, deposition, fossilization, past climates, and tectonic plate movements. Using skills learned during the in-person pre-visit classroom session, students explore the physical characteristics of the Franciscan Complex rocks, and the tectonic environments in which they formed. Students pose questions in class for further investigation in the park. While at Point Bonita lighthouse students collaborate to predict how natural and human impacts may change these landscapes.

The Rocks on the Move program uses the Understanding by Design framework and aligns with K-12 Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core Standards. The program is framed by the essential question - "How do I recognize geologic change in my environment?"

Program’s Framework and Curriculum Links:

Please click here for the Understanding by Design grid.

Please click here for the curriculum for Rocks on the Move!

 

Program Structure

Rocks on the Move programs are structured in three parts:

1. Classroom Preparation - pre-trip lessons delivered by the teacher and NPS staff with resources provided by the park. During this session, teachers utilize framed transparencies to familiarize students with the geologic changes in landscapes. NPS staff hand out dichotomous keys and rock samples of the Franciscan Complex to investigate their rock features.

2. Field Session - During the park experience, students explore the remnants of ancient seafloor rocks at the Point Bonita lighthouse. NPS staff facilitate student investigations regarding geologic change along with its implications to climate change.

3. Classroom Assessment - the post-trip lesson is led by the teacher. Students demonstrate what they learned through evidence-based written reflections.

 

How to Apply

Program Registration Instructions

Please fill out the Education Reservation Request Form to request a program for your class (1 per classroom). Failure to complete this form may result in the inability to participate in program.

Classroom Preparation –Virtual or in-person school visits are ONLY offered on Wednesdays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM start to finish.

Field visit –In-person field sessions are only offered Tuesday, Thursday, and Fridays. Program duration is from 8:30am pick up and 2:30pm drop off.

Note: Do NOT book programs on late or early release school dates. In order to book the correct bus size, please provide a true estimate of the students and adults, including chaperones that will be participating in the program.

Program Registration Instructions

1. SECTION 1: Fully complete your Contact Information on the form.
   
   *In the “Describe Need” box, please let us know if you need any special accommodations for your students. Note: We will hike 1.50 miles round trip from Battery Alexander parking lot to the lighthouse. There is an elevation gain of ~125 ft on the way back to the parking lot.*

2. SECTION 2: Complete the following for section 2, under Park Visit/Field Trip:
   
   You do not need to complete contact information again, please go directly to the program logistics section. Add TREE alternative field visit dates for your park visit.
   
   Below is a guide on how to complete section 2:

Grade Add Grade Level(s)	Number of Students Add Total Number of Students	Number of Chaperones Add Total Number of Chaperones
Preferred Date of Visit i.e. Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays	Preferred Program Start Time i.e. 8:30 AM	Alternative Date(s) Include at least 3 alternative dates
Anticipated Arrival Time (Skip this part)	Anticipated Departure Time (Programs last 6 hours) i.e. 2:30 PM	Mode of Transportation Charter Bus

SECTION 3 and 4: Complete the following under Group Details – Ranger-in-classroom Program. Ranger-in-classroom visit duration is 45-55 minutes long or section 4 if you prefer a virtual classroom visit. You do not need to fill out your contact information again.


SECTION 3: Group Details – Ranger-in-classroom Program (Duration: 45-55 Minutes)

Grade (Skip this section)	Number of Students (Skip this section)	Number of Chaperones (Skip this section)
Preferred Date of Program i.e. Anywhere from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM	Preferred Program Start Time i.e. Anywhere from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM	Alternative Date(s) Include at least 3 alternative dates

SECTION 4: Complete the following under Group Details – Virtual/Distance Learning Program (Duration: 55-60 minutes).

Grade (Skip this section)	Number of Students (Skip this section)
Preferred Date of Program i.e. Anywhere from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM	Preferred Program Start Time i.e. Wednesdays– preferably the week of your scheduled field trip
Preferred Program Start Time i.e. Anywhere from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM	Time Zone of Classroom Skip this section – programs are only offered to local Bay Area students

3. After completing the Education Reservation Request Form, please email a signed copy to [e-mail].

• Please have the name of the requested program in the email Subject line.

Please Note—Due to a high volume of requests, it will take a couple of business days to be contacted by a ranger.

 

To serve students from the broadest range of abilities and interests, we offer teachers three distinct Rocks on the Move education programs.

Click on the photos below to learn more about the three options:

 

 

Watch: Introduce your students to being field geologists

 

• 

  Rocks on the Move

  This video introduces your students to being field geologists.

  Duration:

  7 minutes, 2 seconds

 

• 

  Rocks on the Move (Audio Described)

  This video introduces your students to being field geologists.

  Duration:

  8 minutes, 53 seconds

 

• 

  Rocks on the Move (Captioned)

  This video introduces your students to being field geologists.

  Duration:

  7 minutes, 4 seconds