Planktonic Landscapes and Radiolarian Chert

Chert outcrop with two park volunteers
Two park education interns admiring a massive chert outcrop in the Marin Headlands

Roxi Farwell, NPS




Transport your students to the deep seafloor as they explore the mysterious radiolarian ribbon chert of the Franciscan Complex. Landscapes and rocks formed by countless fossilized microscopic plankton provide amazing opportunities to unravel Earth history through guided inquiry and cooperative learning. Students utilize skills acquired in the classroom to analyze the park landscapes, discover ancient environments and climate, and propose how, when and where human history and geology interact.

Please click here for the Understanding by Design framework.

Please click here to see the curriculum.

Last updated: June 20, 2019

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Golden Gate National Recreation Area
201 Fort Mason

San Francisco, CA 94123

Phone:

415-561-4700
United States Park Police Dispatch: Non-Emergency: 415-561-5505 Emergency: 415-561-5656

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