School & Group Programs

"I truly believe that the students learn more about the natural world and about their own capabilities in their one week at Headlands Institute than they do in their entire school year."  - Brenda Tuohy, Fifth grade teacher, Oakland

Hands-on science in a national park!

Since 1977, Headlands Institute has partnered with the National Park Service to help connect students with the natural world through field-based science programs. Tidepools, wildflowers, unique rock formations, and trails offering spectacular views of the Bay Area make the Marin Headlands the ultimate science classroom.

Our two- to five-day residential outdoor science programs for grades K-12 are customized to enhance your school’s curriculum. Students and adult chaperones stay in comfortable dormitories and eat healthy, fresh meals prepared by the professional chefs in our dining hall.   

Low student-to-educator ratios allow students to pursue their curiosities through inquiry-based learning as they:

• collect and identify macroinvertebrates from Rodeo Pond.
• observe seals from the coastal bluffs.
• study tidepool creatures’ adaptations in the Intertidal Marine Lab.
• learn geology by sketching the park's unique rock formations.
• strengthen group dynamics through teambuilding excercises.

Areas of study

Diverse and experienced staff create customized curriculum to meet your classroom's needs and correlate with state standards. Chose from areas of study including:

• Marine science
• Terrestrial biology
• Watershed studies
• Earth and physical sciences
• Cultural history

Stories from the Field

Learn more about our program's impact by checking out these stories from our field science educators and classroom teachers who bring students to the Headlands Institute. 

A day at Headlands Institute

Every day at the Headlands Institute is a special experience, from the hikes around the Marin Headlands to the lessons in the labs.  View our sample day and find out more about our schedule, evening programs, and exciting field trips.

Bring your class to Headlands Institute!

View our rates and scholarship information.

Check our online calendar for available dates.

For more details or a DVD about our program, call Jeanelle Steiner at 415.332.2307 ext. 28 or fill out a program scheduling inquiry.