Education Reservations Forms for the 2025-2026 school year are now live! To apply, please submit the form found at the bottom of this page. For questions, please email GOGA_Education@nps.gov

Overview

Grade 6

How does culture influence our relationship with the environment?

Living with the Land allows students to explore human relationship with the natural world from the perspective of Ohlone Indigenous knowledge and contrasting western science approaches. By observing the wetland’s past and present, students learn about what wetlands provide and how humans impact this habitat. The area called Crissy Field has changed greatly over time, reflecting the differing values of the people who have managed the land. Today, the restored wetland offers a rich habitat and an abundance of learning opportunities.

Living with the Land uses the Understanding by Design framework, incorporates Common Core Standards and Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies. The program is framed by the essential question- "How does culture influence our relationship with the environment?"

Program Structure

The Living with the Land Self-Guided Program follows a more flexible three-touch model with optional components and more Teacher-Led instruction:

1. Classroom Preparation – Teacher leads optional lessons to prepare students for the park field session. The lessons will introduce students to Ramaytush Ohlone values, pre-contact California history, and different land uses of the Crissy Marsh area throughout time.

2. Field Session – Students investigate Crissy Marsh to understand human relationship to the land and the health of the ecosystem. Students engage in an investigation of traditional uses of Indigenous Plants, cultural and ecological values of the Olympia Oyster, and the role Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Western Science play in restoration. Teachers are responsible for developing their group's experience after 30 minute Ranger introduction.

3. Classroom Assessment – Teacher will lead students on an opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned through writing or illustration.

How to Apply

Step 1: Educators must complete the Education Reservation Request Form.

Step 2: Park staff will reach out to accepted classes after September 26th, 2025 to schedule a date for your park visit. Please keep in mind, programs in the Presidio are only offered Thursdays and Fridays.

Step 3: New teachers must attend a Teacher Workshop to confirm program dates.

Step 4: Teachers complete optional pre-site lessons with students before the scheduled self-guided visit. (Please be sure to submit your application for a scheduled Ranger Introduction).

Step 5: Class attends self-guided in-person park visit.

Step 6: Teachers complete the post-site lesson and share student work with Rangers.

Please contact goga_education@nps.gov if you have any questions.