Ranger-Facilitated ProgramsDue to staffing changes, ranger-facilitated programs are currently paused. Please e-mail us to receive lesson plans and supporting documents for the education programs below.
How do art and architecture reflect a community?
Centered on the Maritime Museum, rangers engage students by exploring the colorful sea-themed murals inside the building, as well as the architectural and geometric elements on the exterior that make it look like a ship. Students will then use their imagination to draw a building with an exterior design that matches the interior function (i.e. an ice cream shop shaped like an ice cream cone). This lesson includes pre and post-visit activities for the classroom. Maritime Museum (900 Beach Street at Polk) Kindergarten/Grade 1 and above 60 minutes 30 students maximum Chaperone requirements: 1 adult for every 10 students Standards: Soc. St. K.6, Soc. St. 1.4, Art 1.3, Art 5.3, SL. K.1 a-b, SL. 1.1 a-b, Lit. SL K.4., K.5., K.6, Lit. SL 1.4., 1.5
How do humans and the built environment impact one another?
Through learner-centered inquiry activities, exploration of the Park's award-winning Along the Waterfront exhibit, and a guided shoreline hike, students will explore San Francisco neighborhoods and geographical landmarks through different periods in the city’s past. Students will understand on a personal level how daily life was different for people on land and at sea in the 19th and early 20th centuries. San Francisco Maritime NHP Visitor Center (499 Jefferson Street) Grade 3 and above 120 minutes 30 students maximum Chaperone requirements: 1 adult for every 10 students Standards: Soc. St 3.1., 3.3; RL 3.1., 3.3; SL 3.1., 3.2., 3.3., 3.4.
What was it like to live and work aboard a steamship in the early 20th century?
During this 45-minute in-class curriculum-based field trip, a National Park Service ranger will visit your San Francisco Bay Area classroom! Students will learn about maritime history and explore the lives of crewmembers aboard the steam-powered tugboat HERCULES through interactive roleplay and inquiry-based learning. Every Kid Outdoors passes can be issued to participating 4th graders. CAHSS Framework: 4.4 CC ELA Standards: W.4.7, W.4.8, RI.5.7
THIS PROGRAM IS ON PAUSE UNTIL THE HISTORIC SHIPS ARE REOPENED TO VISITORS.
What was the original purpose and function of the ships that are docked at Hyde Street Pier? Students use observation skills to collect facts about the purpose of historic vessels, the types of cargo the vessels moved, the physical features, and the routes traveled. This lesson requires pre- and post-visit activities to be completed in the classroom. *NOTE: All 4th grade students will receive their Every Kid Outdoors annual pass as part of this field trip. Hyde Street Pier (2905 Hyde Street) Grade 4 and above 2.25 hours 30 students maximum Chaperone requirements: At least 4 chaperones What to Bring: -Four copies of a ship log or each student in the class, stapled in packets of four. -Annual pass voucher for each 4th grade student in your class. Additional classroom materials: -Brief Ship Histories -Historical Ship with Key -Lesson 2 Homework -Teacher Packet Grade 4 Standards: SL. 4.1., 4.1.2., 4.1.3., 4.2., 4.3., 4.4-4.6; L. 4.1., 4.3.1., 4.3.3., 4.3.4., 4.3.6; W 4.6; RL 4.1-4.7., 4.9-10; RI 4.1-4.7., 4.9-10; Soc. St. 4.4
THIS PROGRAM IS ON PAUSE UNTIL THE HISTORIC SHIPS ARE REOPENED TO VISITORS.
This program is specially designed to encourage a thoughtful discussion about economic opportunity and racial inequality for crews aboard the 1886 cargo ship, Balclutha. Based on research of the diverse communities who worked on the ship, rangers help participants draw parallels between the past and the present. This program is perfect for groups seeking teambuilding and is also suggested for university classes or adults. For reservations, please contact e-mail us Hyde Street Pier (2905 Hyde Street) Grade 9 and above 90 minutes 30 students maximum Chaperone requirements:1 adult for every 10 high school students Standards: Soc. St. 11.2., 11.5; RH 9-12.1, 9-12.2., 9-12.3., 9-12.9; Chronological/spatial thinking 1,2,3; Historical Interpretation 1,2,3,4 
Plan a Field TripStart here to plan your field trip and let San Francisco Maritime become your classroom. 
Teacher-Led ProgramsFind curriculum resources for teachers to design and lead your own field trip to San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. 
Partner ProgramsFind field trip programs offered by our park partner, the San Francisco National Park Association |
Last updated: August 6, 2026