Rock! Pattern! Systems!

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

 

 

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 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. Plan for an 8:30 AM pick-up and 2:30 PM 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 THREE 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: Only complete section 3 if you prefer an in-person classroom pre-visit 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: 75 Minutes)

• Grade Skip this section	Number of Students Skip this section	Number of Chaperones Skip this section
  Preferred Date of Program 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	Alternative Date(s) Include at least 3 alternative dates

  SECTION 4: Complete the following under Group Details – Virtual/Distance Learning Program (Duration: 1 hour)

  Grade Skip this section	Number of Students Skip this section
  Preferred Date of Program i.e. Wednesdays– preferably the week of your scheduled field trip	Alternative Date(s) Include at least 3 alternative dates
  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.