Rocks on the Move

 
 

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

 
 
NPS Ranger Socorro, Volunteer Sarah, and students walk on the Point Bonita trail.
NPS Ranger Socorro, Volunteer Sarah, and students walk on the Point Bonita trail.

NPS Volunteer Kirke Wrench

Overview

Grades 6 - 8

How can I recognize geologic change in my environment?

Rocks on the Move brings young geologists to the scenic hills of the Marin Headlands, where the theory of plate tectonics unfolds in the landscape around them. Through both individual and small group work, students use historic photos, data from local scientific studies, and framed transparencies to find evidence of deep seafloor processes, including volcanism, deposition, fossilization, past climates, and tectonic plate movements. Using skills learned during the in-person pre-visit classroom session, students explore the physical characteristics of the Franciscan Complex rocks, and the tectonic environments in which they formed. Students pose questions in class for further investigation in the park. While at Point Bonita lighthouse students collaborate to predict how natural and human impacts may change these landscapes.

The Rocks on the Move program uses the Understanding by Design framework and aligns with K-12 Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core Standards. The program is framed by the essential question - "How do I recognize geologic change in my environment?"

Program’s Framework and Curriculum Links:

Please click here for the Understanding by Design grid.

Please click here for the curriculum for Rocks on the Move!

 

Program Structure

Rocks on the Move programs are structured in three parts:

1. Classroom Preparation - pre-trip lessons delivered by the teacher and NPS staff with resources provided by the park. During this session, teachers utilize framed transparencies to familiarize students with the geologic changes in landscapes. NPS staff hand out dichotomous keys and rock samples of the Franciscan Complex to investigate their rock features.

2. Field Session - During the park experience, students explore the remnants of ancient seafloor rocks at the Point Bonita lighthouse. NPS staff facilitate student investigations regarding geologic change along with its implications to climate change.

3. Classroom Assessment - the post-trip lesson is led by the teacher. Students demonstrate what they learned through evidence-based written reflections.

 

How to Apply

Step 1: Complete the Education Reservation Request Form.

Step 2: Park staff will contact accepted classes after September 26th, 2025 to schedule visit dates.

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

Step 4: Teachers complete pre-site lessons before your classroom ranger visit (virtual or in-person), attend your in-park visit, and complete post-visit lessons after.

For questions, please email GOGA_Education@nps.gov.
 

Education Reservation Request From- In-Park Visit

Use this form to apply for the Rocks on the Move Education Program.   

Logistics

Ranger-led field trips are offered during the following dates and times:

  • January through May: Tuesday through Fridays between 8:30 AM and 3:00 PM

  • Plan for 5 to 6 hours total, including travel and lunch.

  • Programs are available in English and Spanish—please notify staff in advance for Spanish.

  • Bus scholarships may be available for high need schools, indicate interest in the form.

 

Group Size

Programs are designed for 10-35 students per class, and we can accommodate ONLY 1 class per day. Students will be split into smaller groups for hands-on investigations.


Chaperones

One adult chaperone is required for every ten students.

Chaperones play a key role in making park programs successful and safe. Here’s what to expect on your park visit:

  • Support student safety—your primary role throughout the day.

  • Guide learning – help students stay focused on the lesson or speaker.

  • Assist with materials – help distribute and collect as needed.

  • Supervise lunch and clean-up – provide guidance during breaks.

  • Stay curious and flexible – your attitude sets the tone for students!

Safety at Point Bonita

Field trips to Point Bonita Lighthouse are full of adventure—and safety is key to a great trip!

  • Admire poison oak from afar – it's shiny but best left untouched.

  • Stay on the trail – no climbing or leaning on fences and cliffs.

  • Stick together – groups should stay close and move as one.

  • Keep voices low – we’re visiting the quiet home of harbor seals.

 

NPS Form 10-1750 (Rev. 04/2021)
National Park Service

OMB Control No. 1024-0228
Expiration Date 11/30/2025

Disclaimer:

A park representative will follow-up to confirm group details once this request has been received and reviewed.

NPS Form 10-1750 (Rev. 04/2021)
National Park Service

OMB Control No. 1024-0228
Expiration Date 11/31/2025

Notices

Privacy Act Statement

Authority: Public Law 114-289 National Park Service Centennial Act and 54 U.S.C. 100701 Protection, interpretation, and research in System.

Purpose: To administer education programs for education audiences including but not limited to school groups, scouting groups, extracurricular groups, and home school groups.

Routine Uses: To effectively manage requests for education received by the NPS, the Education Reservation Request Form is used to collect basic education reservation information to facilitate operational aspects of scheduling groups for park education programs, including in-park education programs, ranger in classroom programs, and/or online distance learning programs.

Disclosure: Voluntary, however, failure to provide the requested information may impede the ability to grant your education reservation request.

Paperwork Reduction Act Statement

We are collecting this information subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501) to provide park managers and educators the information needed to schedule and conduct education program activities. All applicable parts of the form must be completed in order for your request to be considered. You are not required to respond to this or any other Federal agency-sponsored information collection unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. OMB has approved this collection of information and assigned control number 1024-0288.

Estimated Burden Statement

Public reporting for this collection of information is estimated to average 5 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the Information Collection Clearance Officer, National Park Service, 1201 Oakridge Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80525. Do not send your completed form to this address.

 

Last updated: August 26, 2025

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Golden Gate National Recreation Area
201 Fort Mason
San Francisco, CA 94123

Phone:

415-561-4700
United States Park Police Dispatch: Non-Emergency: 415-561-5505 Emergency: 415-561-5656

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