USGS

 I was browsing the General Science course for 2027/2028.  (Yes, we plan two or three years in advance.) Here and here are the table of contents for both the second and third editions.  I’m looking at the second edition for two reasons: cheaper and has anatomy.  My friend, Christine, just finished teaching the Young Explorers’ Human Anatomy.  However, her class was small.  This fall there are eight young people taking the YE Chemistry and Physics class.  Next year, most of the kiddos will be about 7th graders, a perfect time for General Science.  Most of this group won’t have had any anatomy.  My friend, Jen, wants her daughter to take some.  Problem solved.  We’ll use the second edition.  I also want time to teach experimental design: controlled variables, data, and lab reports etc rather than more earth science.

Both editions have a substantial amount of Geology.  USGS has loads and loads of interesting resources. Seemingly, they have digitized everything—even older resources. Many of the resources below are old—but still useful!  See for yourself.

1. Start with Educational Resources and browse.

2. 3D Paper Models aren’t just templates.  They are packed with information and teacher’s guide.

3.  I have used Land and People resources.  I found the series to be fairly balanced with an emphasis on stewardship.  

4.  This Sea Floor Spreading Model is intended for elementary students, which is hilarious.  Many post-doc presenters do think their material is suitable for K-college. 

5. Take a look at the mineral coloring pages.  

6. Scroll to the bottom of the Classroom Resources page for the Dynamic Earth materials: Teacher’s Guide and The Story of Plate Tectonics, with more links at the bottom.  

7. The Water Resources Education includes a Water Science School with teacher resources and materials, such as The Water Cycle.