Geology (Grades 6 - 12)
Explore the hidden processes of our planet with hands-on, minds-on activities.
This kit is packed with hands-on activities that illuminate the hidden processes of our planet. Learn about the Earth’s layers, the movement of tectonic plates, and earthquakes. Take a look back over geologic time and check out some fossils from key points in Earth’s history
Materials
- curriculum binder
- Earth's layers model
- Earth's layers spool (bag, spool, and chalk)
- 6 tectonic plate map boards
- 6 sets of maps
- 6 compasses
- 2 slinkies
- measuring cup
- scoops (3)
- container of white quartz
- container of gravel
- food coloring
- dixie cups
- CD with Google Earth file
- 6 sets of 6 fossils
- Geologic timeline (timeline, cards, metal posts, Precambrian ribbon)
- Books and Booklets: "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Rocks of the World" by John Farndon, "Eyewitness: Fossil" by Dr. Paul D Taylor, "Restless Earth" by Sue Bowler, "Kaleidoscope: Fossils" by Roy A. Gallant, "Eyewitness: Volcano and Earthquake" by Susanna van Rose; "Evolution and the Fossil Record" by John Pojeta Jr and Dale A Springer
- Videos and DVDs: "Faces of the Earth" (The Science Channel)
Activities
Earth’s Layers: Explore three different representations of the Earth's layers to help students visualize the interior structure of our planet.
Earthquakes and Tectonic Plates: Use seismic data and maps to discover the locations of the planet’s tectonic plates.
Google Earth Geology Field Trip: Make California geology come to life with a virtual field trip from the coast to the Sierras.
Fun Fossils: Investigate and identify six mystery fossils. Then create an interactive geology timeline.
Amazing Amazon Basin Geology: Explore the Amazon Basin’s geologic history to learn about the geologic principles of subduction, mountain-building, erosion and sedimentation. Students make their own sedimentary rock sequence.
