School and Group Programs
Evening Programs
Schools that attend Headlands Institute for 2 or more days will engage in an evening program each full night of their stay. All evening programs last an hour and are led by Headlands Institute staff. Click on activity types below to view descriptions of evening programs:
Night Hikes
Bioluminescence night hike
This evening program focuses on the study of bioluminescent plankton through a video and a short walk to the beach to observe bioluminescence at water's edge. This hike may not be available if tide or waves are too high or bioluminescent activity is not present. Corresponding area of study: Marine science.
Adaptations & sensory night hike
This hike centers on night-time adaptations of people and animals.
Students hike near campus making up to a 1 mile round trip.
Corresponding area of study: Terrestrial biology.
Bats
Study bats and their amazing adaptations with this evening program.
Play some rounds of the game bat and moth, use a bat detector to listen
for echolocation, and go on a short walk to look for bats.
Corresponding area of study: Terrestrial biology.
Community Building
Campfire
Sing songs, hear stories, and watch members of your group participate in skits. Children cannot roast marshmallows at the campfire. Due to safety and time constraints, roasting marshmallows is not included in Headlands Institute campfires. Corresponding areas of study: All areas of study.
Teambuilding/challenges
A great option for older students! Your group is challenged to
communicate and work cooperatively to solve various tasks and problems.
Corresponding area of study: All areas of study.
Role Playing
Alcans & bumbas
In these two imaginary societies, students take on the cultural norms and behaviors of their unique group. Watch what happens when they meet each other and attempt to trade their wares! This activity emphasizes understanding and respect for differences between cultures. Corresponding area of study: Cultural history.
Bird beak buffet
Students test their skills as birds using a variety of simulated beaks to gather food. Activity focuses on adaptations and specialization of animals. Corresponding areas of study: Marine science and terrestrial biology.
Grey whale migration
Why do creatures migrate? How can they survive when migrating? Students
assume the role of grey whales in this activity, illustrating the
seasons, availability of food, the importance of breeding sites, the
ecology of different parts of the ocean, and human impacts on
ecosystems. Corresponding area of study: Marine science.
Marine mammal myths & legends
Beginning with an adaptation of a given species of marine mammal,
students create a story and skit explaining why their adaptation came
to be. Corresponding area of study: Marine science.
Hawk migration
This evening program complements a raptor day or Hawk Hill hike.
Students simulate a raptor migration, complete with all the challenges
of surviving. Corresponding area of study: Terrestrial biology.
Chinatown
Students perform skits or songs, or create visuals on the following
topics: Chinatown history, Chinatown alleyways, fortune cookies,
Chinese language and writing. Corresponding area of study: Cultural history.
Lectures and Debates
Marincello
Marincello was a development proposed to be built on what is now the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. During this historical debate students take on the roles of various participants and debate various sides of the issue of whether or not to build Marincello. Corresponding area of study: Cultural history.
Muir Woods
In preparation for a Muir Woods trip, students create skits designed to highlight unique features of the redwood ecosystem and the function of each component. Corresponding area of study: Terrestrial biology and watersheds.
Debates
In this role-playing program, students present opposing sides of an environmental issue. Topics are varied and can include current issues. Corresponding areas of study: All areas of study.
Instructor's choice
A field science educator presents a program in their area of specialty. Our educators are experts in the fields of marine biology, botany, environmental studies, biology, and more. Corresponding areas of study: All areas of study.
