Environmental Education

Transitional Kindergarten: Insects and Ecosystems
Our youngest learners begin their outdoor educational journey by exploring the fascinating world of insects throughout the year. By visiting local dunes and redwood forests, children develop a fundamental connection to their environment, learning about the biodiversity around them. This hands-on exploration fosters a deep appreciation for the natural world, aligning with our first sustainability benchmark: building a solid connection to our local environment.

Kindergarten: The Redwoods Unit
Kindergarten students delve into the majestic world of redwoods, learning about these ancient trees' crucial role in local ecosystems. Activities span from classroom learning to field trips to the Presidio Redwood Grove and Muir Woods. The year culminates with a celebratory performance of "The Great Redwood Tree," encouraging students to see themselves as active protectors of nature. This project enhances literacy skills and embodies our sustainability benchmarks, teaching students about ecological principles and cultural history.

Botany/Spanish Presidio Unit/Poetry
First graders engage in an enriching botany unit incorporating language arts through poetry. Students explore the beautiful landscape of the Presidio, observing and sketching local plant life and writing poetry that reflects their connections to this vibrant ecosystem. Integrating Spanish language skills enhances their understanding of the cultural and historical significance of their local environment. This unit prepares them to be worldly citizens who value and advocate for their natural surroundings.

Ohlone Cultural Exploration
Second graders explore the rich cultural heritage of the Ohlone people through a series of interactive lessons and a walking tour led by the Ohlone Sisters at El Polin Spring. This unit deepens students' understanding of the indigenous stewardship of the land, and fosters respect for cultural diversity and environmental responsibility. Students learn the importance of sustainable practices and collective action toward a sustainable future by engaging with traditional stories and participating in land-based activities.

Sogorea Te' Land Trust Collaboration
Third graders have the unique opportunity to learn directly from the Sogorea Te' group of Indigenous women about land stewardship and activism. This partnership supports lessons on ecological principles and environmental justice, as well as the history and culture of the Presidio and beyond. Students actively participate in land care practices, developing a profound respect and understanding of Indigenous approaches to sustainability and collective action.

Climate Justice Activists in Profile
In fourth grade, students focus on environmental stewardship and activism. Through the "People in Profile" unit, students explore the lives and impacts of climate justice activists within the Presidio community. This project includes creating a field guide and biography lookbook, helping students understand the intersection of ecological principles, history, and social justice. Students are inspired to consider how they might contribute to sustainable practices and advocate for change by studying local activists.

Exploring Ecosystems in the Presidio
Fourth graders investigate local ecosystems directly within the Presidio and Golden Gate Park. This hands-on study promotes an understanding of biodiversity and the importance of ecosystems in urban settings. Scientific inquiry and field research support students’ explorations, aligning with sustainability education goals.

The Presidio as an Ecosystem
Fifth graders participate in a combined unit with fourth graders, studying the Presidio as a dynamic ecosystem. This intensive study culminates in a service-learning project focused on weeding and land care with the Presidio Trust. Throughout the unit, students engage in activities emphasizing the connections between ecological principles and sustainability, preparing them to implement sustainable practices.

Music: Cypress Grove Drum Circle
Additionally, in the engaging Cypress Grove Drum Circle unit, fifth graders explore rhythm and music within the natural setting of the Presidio. This creative unit enhances their understanding of cultural diversity through global rhythms. It connects them to the environmental setting, fostering a deeper appreciation for using natural spaces for artistic expression.

Watershed Investigations
Sixth-grade science students delve into the hydrological cycle through comprehensive studies of local watersheds, including the Tennessee Hollow Watershed in the Presidio. Field research and lab experiments provide a practical understanding of water systems and ecological monitoring. This curriculum bridges scientific methods with real-world environmental stewardship, encouraging students to apply these insights to daily sustainable practices.

Indigenous Knowledge and Sustainability
In humanities, students explore Indigenous ways of knowing and being, focusing on local Ramaytush Ohlone history and stewardship. This unit includes an overnight camping experience in the Presidio, allowing students to connect deeply with the land. Lessons highlight Indigenous resistance and environmental activism, linking past and present efforts to protect and sustain natural resources.

Poetry and Nature: Voices of the Presidio
Seventh graders engage in an environmental literature unit where poetry and nature intersect. Students express their personal and collective responsibilities toward climate change and environmental justice by exploring various poetic forms. This unit empowers students to articulate the complex relationships between social equity and environmental issues through creative expression.

The Presidio as Text
This unique interdisciplinary unit takes students across the Presidio to learn about its multifaceted history from natural, cultural, and historical perspectives. Students engage with different narratives of the land, exploring themes of colonization, military history, and Indigenous stewardship. This approach encourages critical thinking about whose stories are told and promotes a deeper understanding of the land as a palimpsest of various narratives.

PHS Sustainability Assessment and Experience Map
Eighth graders take on a leadership role in assessing and improving the school's sustainability practices. This project-based learning experience involves analyzing current environmental practices and making actionable recommendations for the school and community. Students work in teams, collaborating with younger grades to foster a school-wide culture of sustainability.

Integrative Projects on Environmental Issues
In a culminating unit, students explore complex global environmental issues, such as the impact of lithium mining on indigenous lands. Through this study, they connect scientific, social, and economic perspectives to develop a holistic understanding of sustainability and advocate for informed ethical environmental practices.