Created by an act of Congress in 1879, the USGS provides science for a changing world, which reflects and responds to society’s continuously evolving needs. As the science arm of the Department of the Interior, the USGS brings an array of earth, water, biological, and mapping data and expertise to bear in support of decision-making on environmental, resource, and public safety issues.  Included are resources for geology, ecosystems, geography, oceans and coasts, and solar systems that can be used to build lesson plans.

Geologists study the Earth, trying to understand the forces that gradually shape and change the landscape and ocean floor, as well as forces that make themselves felt more suddenly, like earthquakes and volcanoes. These projects, shared by Science Buddies, encourage students to explore real world applications of geology.

Scope and sequence connections: Earth science: Geology (all topics.)

Earth Science Week shares a variety of student friendly Earth Science activities; teachers can sort by topic and grade level. Most tasks are categorized on the Next Generation Science Standards, and the earlier National Science Education Standards. All grade levels.

A series of hands-on experiments to explore topics in geology. Science Snacks are tabletop exhibits or explorations of natural phenomena that teachers or students can make using common, inexpensive, readily available materials.  Provided by the Exploratorium. 

Students work at their own pace and receive feedback as they move through tasks in the online geology modules from California State University. These interactives are aligned to the Earth Science Regents and can help prepare students for the performance practical.  (They may look a bit outdated but the content is relevant!)

Scope and sequence connection: Earth Science: Geology: Plate tectonics, rocks and minerals.
Performance standard: 2.1j.