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Educational Philosophy

Magic Moments

Our inquiry-based educational model is student-centered. It allows students to drive the course of the program with their own questions. This results in many magic moments, when students make their own connections to the natural world through observation, investigation, and collaboration.

These moments transform our students' relationships with each other and the natural world, and encourage them to become active stewards for the environment and leaders within their own communities.

Educational Philosophy

We consistently deliver highly relevant and individualized programs by answering three simple questions:

  • Who are the students?
    • Pre-trip visits, direct student input, and questionnaires ensure that we are focused on student and teacher needs and help us individualize the experience.
  • What content and instructional strategies are most appropriate for these students?
    • Taking into account developmental and knowledge levels, and ethnic, cultural, and geographical factors, ensures a positive and productive experience for each student.   
  • What will the students learn and experience?
    • Our educators cater to multiple learning styles in each of their lessons.
    • We strive to meet teacher-defined priorities, including academic goals, community and team building, and personal growth.
    • Each campus customizes its curriculum based on its unique ecosystems and surroundings.

Core Educational Framework 

Headlands Institute educator works with students in Marine Lab at the Marin Headlands.

Our Core Educational Framework provides the foundation for all NatureBridge programs. This framework sets program priorities yet remains flexible and adaptable. Most importantly, the Core Educational Framework recognizes the importance of building programs around students’ prior experience and knowledge, which ensures that learning activities are appropriate for every school and student. The three key priorities of the Core Educational Framework are:

Sense of Place, focusing on students' ability to:

  • express an awareness of the environment around them.
  • recognize abiotic, biotic, and cultural resources.
  • define “environment” as inclusive of both natural and human communities.
  • develop a personal sense of place within the hiking group.

Interconnections, centering on students' ability to:

  • connect emotionally to the natural world.
  • understand complex connections in habitats and ecosystems.
  • describe ways in which their communities impact the natural systems on which they depend.
  • understand the importance of biological and cultural diversity.

Stewardship, giving students the opportunity to:

  • identify reasons why humans should take responsibility for their environment.
  • empower students to take concrete positive action on behalf of natural and human communities.
  • explain the value of national parks and recreation areas.
  • encourage responsible environmental behavior.