USGS Secondary Resources

Mineral Properties, Uses and Descriptions Diamond Diopside Dolomite Enstatite Epidote Fluorite Fuchsite Galena Garnet Glauconite Gold Graphite Gypsum Resources for Teaching Geology Science Teaching Series Internet Resources I. Developing Scientific Literacy II. III. IV. V. VI. Geology Rocks and Minerals Mineral Resources: Mineralogy, databases... The Earth Maps and Mapping: Map reading, geological maps, map construction... Imagery of the Earth USGS Aerial imagery: Global change, astrogeology, Terralook, etc. Earthquakes & Tectonics National Earthquake Information Center: Good Introductory information on seismology Plot earthquakes - Flash file for dynamic plotting Recent Earthquakes (Maps): National Earthquake Information Service Southern California Earthquake Data Center: Seismological reports and teaching ideas Earthquake Information: United States Geological Survey Virtual Seismogram: Print a seismogram for a particular day and time. Volcanoes Volcano World: Useful information and links about volcanology Cascades Volcano Observatory: Volcanoes in the cascades plus links elsewhere Hydrology Professional Organizations

Videos - Geology Geology may be a science that moves very slowly, but a number of videos bring the subject to life for students. Education World compiled some great videos that will get kids excited about the topic. For each one, we include a description and grade level. We also note the video’s capacity for engagement (“cool factor”). The Geology and Formation of the Western Land of U.S. Source: World-earthquakes.com. Grade level: Sixth grade or higher Run time: 44:59 Description: This rather dramatic video shows geology in action—specifically, how the western part of the United States came to look the way it does. Cool factor: Not as cool as some, but dramatizations of geologic activities add interest. National Geographic Colliding Continents Source: National Geographic Grade level: All ages Run time: 50:05 Description: This video is a documentary of the Earth’s violent past and the movement of the tectonic plates. Geology Kitchen: What is a Mineral? Source: Explorer Multimedia Run time: 5:44 Source: IGP

Resources for Teaching the Geosciences The Sourcebook for Teaching Science This book provides science educators with a comprehensive selection of innovative tools, activities, and high-quality instructional resources for enlivening lessons across the science disciplines. It features over 300 classroom-ready activities ranging from word-based problem-solving exercises to hands-on laboratory experiments and includes examples drawn from biology, physics, chemistry, and the geosciences, all linked to National Science Education Standards. Fields of Study Geology - The Earth, earthquakes, volcanoes, hydrology... Earth and Space Science Laboratory Laboratory Safety - Laboratory safety for the physics classroom. Teacher Resources GPS activities Lesson Plan Ideas - Catalogs of earth science lesson plans. Earth and Space Science Curriculum - Planning Advanced Placement Environmental Science - Sponsored by the College Board. Reference

Wegener's Puzzling Evidence Exercise (6th Grade) Although Alfred Wegener was not the first to suggest that continents have moved about the Earth, his presentation of carefully compiled evidence for continental drift inspired decades of scientific debate. Wegener's evidence, in concert with compelling evidence provided by post World War II technology, eventually led to universal acceptance of the theory of Plate Tectonics in the scientific community. The following files are needed for this exercise and can be downloaded in pdf format (Teacher Overview, (For Teachers) Wegener's Key to Continental Positions for grade 6, Student Puzzle Pieces, Key to Wegener's Evidence sheet, and Student Map of the World Today). If students need additional hints beyond those provided below, there is a Puzzle Outline Hint to be used as a base for the puzzle. Objectives Students will observe and analyze scientific evidence used by Wegener. The Student Puzzle Pieces and Legend To start this activity the teacher will present background information on Wegener.