Our elementary school programs for the 2008-2009 school year are currently full. If you would like to be on the mailing list to receive information before we begin registration for the 2009-2010 school year, please call (415) 561-2870.
Flyin' High (Grades: K, 1, 2)
All living things need a viable habitat. Students become scientists as they exercise their observational skills to collect data on how shorebirds use Crissy Field. Through hands-on activities in the Center's Urban Ecology Lab, students learn what makes a good habitat for birds and how human activity can have an impact on that habitat. In the Arts Workshop, students create take-home dioramas that exemplify what birds and children need in a healthy habitat. 2.5 hours
Birds of a Feather (Grades: 1, 2)
Plants and animals have adaptations that help them survive in their unique habitats. When humans alter or destroy those habitats, species can become endangered or even extinct. After a “mini lesson” on binocular use, students head out to the Crissy Field marsh to study the fascinating adaptations of the birds there. Then, in the Urban Ecology Lab, students play an interactive game that builds their understanding of how various beak types equip birds to eat in different habitats. In the Arts Workshop, students create their very own fanciful bird and show how it is adapted to its habitat. 2.5 hours
My Favorite Marsh (Grades: 2, 3, 4)
Wetlands are vital components of coastal ecosystems. They serve as filters for pollution, provide wildlife habitat, are havens for biodiversity, and are special places for human recreation and reflection. In the Urban Ecology Lab, students use marsh models to learn about the various roles that wetlands play in our urban environment and why wetlands are important to each of us. Then groups of students, equipped with digital cameras, head outside to investigate the Crissy Field marsh and dune system during an exciting game of marsh bingo. In the Arts Workshop, students express their new knowledge of wetlands through a creative art project. 3 hours
Garbology 101 (Grades: 3, 4, 5, 6)
Throughout time, societies have faced the problem of what to do with their garbage. As students participate in hands-on activities in the Presidio Archeology Lab, they learn how archeologists uncover the past by studying artifacts from the Crissy Field landfill. At the Crissy Field Center, students explore decomposition in miniature landfills, consider the impact of their own garbage on the environment, and discuss alternatives for reducing waste. Their experience culminates when students use recycled materials to create journals where they can reflect on their park visit. This program is co-sponsored by the Presidio Archeology Lab, a partnership of the Presidio Trust and the NPS. 3 hours
Walking the Watershed (Grades: 3, 4, 5, 6)
Note: This program starts at Crissy Field Center and ends at El Polin Picnic Area.
Clean watersheds are essential for a healthy environment. Students begin their experience in the Center's Urban Ecology Lab where they discover what can happen when toxic materials are introduced into a watershed. In the Media Lab, they play an interactive computer game that helps them discover ways we can protect our water from pollution. Students then explore the Tennessee Hollow watershed as they walk approximately one mile through the Presidio. During their walk, teams of students are challenged to assess the health of the watershed using a variety of tools. A stream investigation at El Polin Spring is included in the 3.5 hour program. 3 or 3.5 hours
Budding Botanists (Grades: 4, 5, 6, 7)
Urban youth may have little knowledge of or interaction with the plant world that ultimately sustains human life. Students learn the names and functions of the parts of plants through a flower dissection in the Crissy Field Center Urban Ecology Lab. At the Crissy Field marsh, students divide into teams of research botanists, study indigenous plants in the field, and learn to describe their discoveries to one another via walkie-talkies. In the Arts Workshop, they’ll have the chance to record the knowledge they’ve gained as they create their own field guides for the Crissy Field. 3 hours
Hot Flash! (Grades: 5, 6, 7, 8)
Climate change has the potential to impact every aspect of our lives. It is vitally important that we understand its causes and the ways we can help prevent its progress. First, students explore the Crissy Field marsh area to build a foundation for understanding how climate change can impact our environment and the resources in our National Parks. Then they conduct an experiment that helps them visualize the scientific mechanisms driving global warming. Next students explore simple and practical ways that both children and adults can work to avert the crisis of global climate change. Before heading home, the class creates and records an original musical composition about global warming. 3 hours
Our middle school programs for the 2008-2009 school year are currently full. If you would like to be on the mailing list to receive information before we begin registration for the 2009-2010 school year, please call (415) 561-2870. Garbology 101 (Grades: 3, 4, 5, 6)
Throughout time, societies have faced the problem of what to do with their garbage. As students participate in hands-on activities in the Presidio Archeology Lab, they learn how archeologists uncover the past by studying artifacts from the Crissy Field landfill. At the Crissy Field Center, students explore decomposition in miniature landfills, consider the impact of their own garbage on the environment, and discuss alternatives for reducing waste. Their experience culminates when students use recycled materials to create journals where they can reflect on their park visit. This program is co-sponsored by the Presidio Archeology Lab, a partnership of the Presidio Trust and the NPS. 3 hours
Walking the Watershed (Grades: 3, 4, 5, 6)
Note: This program starts at Crissy Field Center and ends at El Polin Picnic Area.
Clean watersheds are essential for a healthy environment. Students begin their experience in the Center's Urban Ecology Lab where they discover what can happen when toxic materials are introduced into a watershed. In the Media Lab, they play an interactive computer game that helps them discover ways we can protect our water from pollution. Students then explore the Tennessee Hollow watershed as they walk approximately one mile through the Presidio. During their walk, teams of students are challenged to assess the health of the watershed using a variety of tools. A stream investigation at El Polin Spring is included in the 3.5 hour program. 3 or 3.5 hours
Budding Botanists (Grades: 4, 5, 6, 7)
Urban youth may have little knowledge of or interaction with the plant world that ultimately sustains human life. Students learn the names and functions of the parts of plants through a flower dissection in the Crissy Field Center Urban Ecology Lab. At the Crissy Field marsh, students divide into teams of research botanists, study indigenous plants in the field, and learn to describe their discoveries to one another via walkie-talkies. In the Arts Workshop, they’ll have the chance to record the knowledge they’ve gained as they create their own field guides for the Crissy Field. 3 hours
Hot Flash! (Grades: 5, 6, 7, 8)
Climate change has the potential to impact every aspect of our lives. It is vitally important that we understand its causes and the ways we can help prevent its progress. First, students explore the Crissy Field marsh area to build a foundation for understanding how climate change can impact our environment and the resources in our National Parks. Then they conduct an experiment that helps them visualize the scientific mechanisms driving global warming. Next students explore simple and practical ways that both children and adults can work to avert the crisis of global climate change. Before heading home, the class creates and records an original musical composition about global warming.
3 hours
Our high school programs for the 2008-2009 school year are currently full. If you would like to be on the mailing list to receive information before we begin registration for the 2009-2010 school year, please call (415) 561-2870.
Humanity for Habitats
Golden Gate National Parks is actively engaged in restoring indigenous habitats and increasing biodiversity within its boundaries. Humanity for Habitats challenges students to explore complex land management issues as they work alongside park staff to propagate plants, remove exotic species, monitor, and plant seedlings into a restoration site. This program includes three on-site field trips plus a classroom visit by park staff. Field Sessions - 2.5 hours, Classroom Visit - 50 minutes
Project WISE (Watersheds Inspiring Student Education)
Wherever you are, whether in a city or a national park, you are in a watershed. Watersheds connect people to places and enable us to see environmental issues affecting our communities. Project WISE utilizes the Presidio's watersheds as outdoor classrooms. Students learn about environmental issues facing their park and communities and explore sustainable solutions through experimentation, analysis, and critical thinking. A combination of authentic hands-on science and technology, teambuilding and civic engagement make this an exciting addition to the classroom. WISE has 2 programs, a year long experience and an intensive short course (1-4 sessions). Project WISE is offered through a collaboration between the Urban Watershed Project and the Crissy Field Center. Field Sessions - 2.5 hours
All fieldtrip programs support California State Academic Standards.
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