Rings, Ripples, and Echoes: 5th grade
An Inquiry Science and Cultural History Investigation at Muir Woods National Monument
Overview
How are our cultures influenced by where we live?
This Essential Question frames Rings, Ripples, and Echoes (RRE) and is meant to allow students to engage in place-based inquiry science and cultural history at Muir Woods National Monument. The Essential Question: 

1.	Reflects the essence of what they will study without directing them to one correct answer.
2.	Provokes “how” or “why” questions rather than “what” questions.
3.	Applies to places beyond Muir Woods.
4.	Invites discussion from everyone based on both experience and understanding.
Students conduct their own science and history investigation in which they learn about cultural history and forest ecology through inquiry. Students pose questions, search for evidence, write narratives, and suggest explanations. The program provides a tangible model for students to explore a redwood forest through learning activities in the classroom and in a National Park (Muir Woods). 
Program Goals 
•	Enrich their understanding of place through inquiry. 
•	Learn about the historical, cultural, and environmental forces that shape and influence Muir Woods.
•	Experience National Parks as places for learning and recreation, and develop a personal connection to their local national park. 
Program Objectives
•	Students will be able to identify the Indigenous uses of plants found in Muir Woods.
•	Students will be able to explain how plants and animals depend on each other to survive. 

Ties to the Curriculum – Standards for 5th grade.

Next Generation Science Standards:

5-LS1-1. Support an argument that plants get the materials they need for growth chiefly from air and water. 

5-LS2-1. Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment.

California’s Common Core State Standards:

Writing 
3.5. Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences. Speaking and 

Listening 
1.5. Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led).

California History-Social Science Content Standards:
 
5.1.1. Describe how geography and climate influenced the way various nations lived and adjusted to the natural environment, including locations of villages, the distinct structures that they built, and how they obtained food, clothing, tools, and utensils. 

5.1.2. Describe their varied customs and folklore traditions.

Program Logistics

Please take careful note of the following:
•	The teacher and chaperones are ultimately responsible for the conduct and safety of the students. Chaperone support is a must.
•	We strongly advise appropriate clothing for the nature of the activities and weather conditions at the park. Advise students to dress in layers to adjust to the variable temperatures of the woods. We conduct the program regardless of weather conditions.
•	Arrangements can be made to accommodate students with special needs. Please discuss any special needs with National Park Service staff ahead of time.

Safety tips:
 
Please make your students aware of the park safety tips before your visit:

•	The class will stay on the main trail at all times, unless directed by park representative to do otherwise. 
•	No plants or other natural features can be removed from the park.
•	Feeding or disturbing animals is not allowed. 
•	Electronic devices, musical instruments, and electronic games will not be allowed on the field session. 
•	No food or drinks (other than water) are allowed inside the monument but food is allowed by the visitor center where we will eat lunch.
Cancellation Policy 
Please let us know of any changes in rescheduling your program dates. Because of the volume of schools participating, there is little room to reschedule your original date. Please plan accordingly.
Directions
Most classes will be taking buses to Muir Woods. Bus companies are familiar with the route. 
For those classes that will be carpooling: 
Muir Woods National Monument is located on the South Side of Mount Tamalpais, 12 miles North of San Francisco. Take Highway 101 to Mill Valley in Marin County. Take the Stinson Beach / Highway 1 exit. Follow the signs to Muir Woods. 
Note: The narrow, winding road leading to the park is not accessible by vehicles larger than 35 feet, according to the regulation of the California Highway Patrol (CHP). There is no public transportation to the park. 

Program Description
The program has three elements: 
•	Pre-site classroom lessons provided by the teacher. 
•	A field session at Muir Woods facilitated by teacher/chaperones and introduced by a Ranger.
•	Post-visit lessons guided by the teacher.

Perspectives: 
Teacher Facilitated Lessons
Students are introduced the program by considering the essential question How are our cultures influenced by where we live? Students learn about native cultures that live/have lived near Muir Woods by viewing the Coast Miwok power point. Students use Coast Miwok discovery packs to uncover how Coast Miwok culture is related to the land. They read the Muir Woods Story handout to gain background knowledge about Muir Woods. Complete the lessons with the cards of the plants and animals that live in Muir Woods.
Time 
Determined by class

Materials
Coast Miwok Background Power Point by Nick Tipon 
Coast Miwok discovery packets and question sheet 
Muir Woods Story handout 
Plant and Animal Guides

Teacher Facilitated Lessons

Lesson One
Teacher introduces the students to Rings, Ripples, and Echoes by posing the Essential Question on the board: 

How are our cultures influenced by where we live? 

Before responding directly to the question, students define culture on the board with help from the teacher. After students define culture, they answer the question in pairs, in a group, or with the entire class. 

Lesson Two
Teacher shares background (power point) on Coast Miwok with students: who they are, where they live (d), why we are learning about them. Tell the students that they will be investigating how the Coast Miwok culture is related to the land through Coast Miwok Discovery Packs. 

Break students into groups and pass packets out to each group. Students take 5 -10 minutes to uncover clues contained in the packets and pose explanations or questions. Distribute question sheets and ask students to think about what the clues have in common. Debrief by asking students to share their hypotheses and discuss how Coast Miwok culture uses/used the land to thrive. 

Lesson Three
Teacher distributes the one-page Muir Woods Story handout to take home and share with their family. 

Lesson Four
Teacher introduces students to the plants and animals found at Muir Woods by reviewing the Plant and Animal guides. After reviewing the guides, students propose how plants and animals have interdependent relationships.

Muir Woods Field Session
Teachers will be provided with a backpack that includes: self-guides with special stops to aid you while hiking in the woods, animal and plant guides, and native culture plant cards. 

Groups at the park on an educational visit will receive an admission-fee waiver.
Summary 
Students are invited to use their senses while investigating the Essential Question in the woods through applied inquiry methods. Students observe and identify the plants used by native cultures. They determine how an ecosystem has interdependent relationships.
Time
Ranger Inquiry introduction: 15 minutes 
Redwood Habitat Investigation: 1-2 hours (suggested time)
Investigation in Muir Woods 
National Park Service staff will welcome the students upon arrival at Muir Woods. Staff will conduct a 15-minute inquiry-based lesson on the redwood forest ecosystem in a special outdoor classroom. The inquiry-based talk will engage students with I see, I think, I wonder questions. During the talk, students will be prompted to consider how does location and land influence cultures. 
Teacher and adult chaperones then accompany students on their investigation of the redwood forest.

Post-Visit Classroom Lessons
These follow-up lessons are designed to build upon the students’ inquiry experience at Muir Woods. Students can demonstrate what and how they have learned during their national park experience. Please conduct at least one of the following lessons: 
Lesson One
Develop a model (drawing or diorama) to illustrate the interdependent relationships in a redwood forest. 
Lesson Two
Write a story about the natural objects you use throughout the day.