Areas of Study

The remarkable natural and cultural history of the Marin Headlands and the breadth of our educators' experience allows Headlands Institute to offer your classroom a wide range of study. Your program can focus on one or more of these areas of study, depending on your classroom's needs and the length of its program.

• Marine science: This area of study introduces coastal and marine environments and explores human impacts on ocean and estuarine resources. Students engage in explorations of coastal, lagoon, and rocky intertidal habitats.

• Terrestrial biology: Focusing on the variety of plants and animals in the Marin Headlands, a key component of this area of study is plant, animal, and habitat identification along trails. Issues such as resource management, habitat loss, and conservation are explored.

• Watersheds: This area of study focuses on water cycles, watersheds, and/or creek, pond, and lagoon habitats. It introduces hydrology and freshwater/brackish life and engages students in activities to promote awareness of their local watersheds and community based stewardship.

• Earth and physical sciences: Focusing on geology, oceanography, meteorology, topography, and astronomy, this area of study introduces the physical environments of the Marin Headlands through hiking and exploring its many trails.
   
• Cultural history: This area of study focuses on human presence, impacts, and history in the Marin Headlands, exploring Native American history, European settlement of the Bay Area, and the former military presence of the area.