Earth & Physical Sciences

This area of study introduces the physical environments of the Marin Headlands through hiking and exploring its many trails. Students may learn about plate tectonics, the rock cycle, climate and weather, and waves, tides, and currents. Activities also highlight human impacts on the physical environment, such as erosion and air pollution. Possible activities are described below.

Geology Hike

The Marin Headlands is world famous among geologists as one of the premier places to observe formations of the Franciscan mélange, which forms much of the California Coast. Students might:

• Examine the sedimentary and igneous rock layers which created the Marin Headlands.
• Observe a minor fault line and keep their eyes peeled for evidence of the San Andreas fault, one of the largest transform faults in the world
• Re-enact the formation of coastal California using an edible model, then snack on the results!
• Stop along the hike to play Body Rock and learn about different rock types
• Hike through a pillow basalt tunnel on the way to discover Point Bonita Lighthouse, the third-oldest lighthouse on the West Coast

• Undertake a beach sand inquiry to learn about the unique rainbow sands of Rodeo Beach
• Identify  chert, basalt, sandstone, jasper, and carnelian, and learn about their unique properties
• Use the scientific process to discover patterns of sediment deposition on the beach
  

Weather, Waves, and Surfers

Access to several different microclimates - combined with the nearby beach and ocean - makes the Marin Headlands a great place to study weather and waves; watching all the surfers makes it fun. Students might:

• Conduct an inquiry project about surfers and waves on Rodeo Beach
• Use hand-held weather stations to take readings and compare the weather at the top of Hill 88, on Rodeo Beach, and in Rodeo Valley.
• Learn about seasonal weather and wave patterns by studying coastal fog, observing big waves breaking on offshore reefs, and measuring temperature and wind speeds in various locations.
  

Stewardship Project

Stewardship is a key component of every Headlands Institute program. While studying Earth & Physical Sciences, students might: 

• Participate in a trailcare project that keeps the trail to Point Bonita Lighthouse safe for visitors
• Learn how forces of erosion challenge the National Park Service
  

Evening Programs