School and Group Programs
Earth and Physical Sciences
This area of study introduces the physical environments of the Marin Headlands through hiking and exploring its many trailsi. It includes:
- Geology
- Oceanography
- Meteorology
- Topography
- Astronomy
Students may learn about plate tectonics and the formation of rocks, climate and weather, or learn to identify stars and constellations. Activities highlight human impacts on the physical environment, such as erosion, air pollution, or climate change. Please note that we cannot guarantee that all students or groups will experience any one activity. Visiting many locations depends upon schedules, tides, and minimizing human impacts. Possible activities are listed below.
Geology Hike to Point Bonita Lighthouse
The Marin Headlands is world famous among geologists as one of the premier places to observe formations of the Franciscan mélange which forms much of the California Coast. The hike to Point Bonita Lighthouse gives students a perfect opportunity to:
- Examine the sedimentary and igneous rock layers which created the Marin Headlands
- Observe a minor fault line and a pillow basalt arch along the way to the Lighthouse
Point Bonita Lighthouse is the third oldest on the West Coast and can be toured with your field science educator.
Beach Sand Study
The unique rainbow sands of Rodeo Beach are composed of all the rock formations found in the Rodeo Valley. Field groups:
- Find chert, basalt, sandstone, jasper, carnelian, and more
- Learn about the properties of various rocks as they sort sand pebbles by grain size, shape, color, and texture
- Engage in the scientific process as they work to discover patterns of sediment deposition on the beach
Edible Geology
Using different types of candy to represent different types of rock, students reenact the formation of Coastal California from underwater volcano to mountain formation during the geological process of subduction. The activity ends with a tasty snack as review.
Weather Reports
With access to several different microclimates within a short hike, the Marin Headlands is a great place to study weather.
- Students use hand held weather stations to take readings and compare the weather at the top of Hill 88, on Rodeo Beach, and in the willows by the pond
- Each evening, students give a weather report and make a prediction about the next day's weather
Trail Care Stewardship Project
Students participate in a trail care project in order to keep the trail to the Point Bonita Lighthouse safe for visitors. Rain washes bits of gravel and dirt onto paved sections of the trail leaving them slippery. Students:
- Learn how forces of erosion challenge the National Park Service
- Help keep the path safe for all by sweeping gravel from the trail
View correlations with California science standards.
Suggested Evening Programs
Campfire
Sing songs, hear stories, and watch members of your group participate in skits. (Unfortunately, due to time and safety constraints, roasting marshmallows is not included in Headlands Institute campfires.)
Teambuilding/Challenges
A great option for older students! Your group is challenged to communicate and work cooperatively to solve various tasks and problems.
View all evening programs.
