USGS Education

Featured Topics Archive

Exploring the Earth's Crust

cartoon cross-section of the earth's crust, lithosphere, and asthenosphere

Scientific innovations help seismologists "see" into the outer layers of our planet. In a new online public lecture, USGS geophysicist Walter Mooney explains how measurements from around the globe are providing new insights about processes that shape the surface of the Earth.

Volcano Video Web Shorts

video still of scientist being interviewed

Watch a new series of video Web Shorts (2-4 minutes each) about volcanoes. These include Photogrammetry, Debris Flows, Seismology, Societal Impacts of Volcanism, and Volcanic Ash Impacts. Meet our scientists and learn more about their jobs as they watch over 169 known active volcanoes within the U.S. and its territories.

Images of Environmental Change

Side by side images showing the Aral Sea of central Asia shrinking in size by half from 1998 to 2010

Introduce students to remote sensing by showing examples of environmental change from around the world. Changes can be difficult to see from the ground, but a broader view using satellite imagery shows a detailed record of landscape changes. This site has been updated with more images and explanations. Supplement with lesson plans.

Tracking Pacific Walrus: Expedition to the Shrinking Chukchi Sea Ice

Photograph of a walrus with long tusks and a pup at her side

USGS scientists have been tracking Pacific Walruses in the Arctic's Chukchi Sea since 2008. Watch a new 12-minute USGS video to find out what they've learned about walrus populations and how the loss of sea ice is changing walrus behavior.

Curiosity on Mars

Map indicating areas of severe drought in the central United States

Did you know that the USGS played a major role in the selection of the landing site for the Mars rover "Curiosity"? Watch a new, online public lecture given by a USGS astrogeologist who provides an overview of Curiosity's mission, what scientist have learned about the geology of the landing site, and what they hope to discover about the role of water in forming the Martian landscape.

Students of all ages will have fun learning more about Mars by putting together one of several paper models of the red planet.

A Day in the Life of a USGS Geographer

What does a geographer do at the USGS? Follow geographer Kitty Kolb as she describes a typical day in this 2-minute video. Kitty began her career at the USGS as first a volunteer and then a student intern.

Watch videos from more past and present student employees at the USGS.

Drought Maps

Use the USGS WaterWatch site to view maps of below-normal streamflow for the entire U.S. or for individual states. Or have students build their own side-by-side comparison maps for different time periods or different locations. Learn more about droughts at the USGS Questions and Answers about Droughts website.

Scanning the Seafloor with Sound

How does the USGS use acoustics to map the seafloor? What hidden hazards and resources are revealed by modern sonar? Get the answers in this public lecture by USGS marine geologist David Finlayson.

NAGT/USGS Cooperative Summer Field Training Program 2012

The National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT)/U.S. Geological Survey Cooperative Summer Field Training Program's 2012 internship season is underway. Learn more about this long-running internship program, and the exciting projects this year's summer interns are working on.

Geologic Time Scale Bookmark

Every student of geology needs a handy reference to the geologic time scale. Download and print a new, double-sided bookmark that shows a simplified time scale from the Precambrian to the present. For a bit more detail, there is a 2-page fact sheet.

Climate Connections: Questions from Glacier National Park

Sign with text: from locations all across America, Climate Connections

America has questions about climate change, and the USGS has real answers. In this six-minute episode of Climate Connections, USGS scientists answer questions gathered from Glacier National Park in Montana.

Map Projections

Celebrate the 500th birthday of Gerhardus Mercator by introducing your students to the concept of map projections. The USGS Map Projections poster (pdf|html) is an excellent summary; a printed version is free through the USGS Store. Advanced students will appreciate Map Projections: A Working Manual, which is the most popular download on the USGS Publications Warehouse.

Bicentennial of the New Madrid Earthquakes

diagram showing heavy concentration of earthquakes along the Mississippi River in Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, and Arkansas

Three large earthquakes of magnitude 7.5-7.7 shook the central U.S. in 1811-1812. Located at the junction of Arkansas, Missouri, and Tennessee, those quakes are a powerful reminder that risk of a similar event exists today. Classroom resources include:

An Informative website, a podcast, and a collection of videos.

Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country: Your Handbook for the Central U.S. (booklet)

20 Cool Facts about the New Madrid Seismic Zone (poster)

Bicentennial of the 1811-1812 New Madrid Earthquake Sequence (poster)

Earthquakes in the Central United States, 1699-2010 (poster)

100 Years of Tracking Eruptions in Hawaii

A new publication, "The story of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory," documents how scientists have monitored volcanic and seismic hazards in Hawaii for 100 years and describes a journey of scientific discovery of how Hawaiian volcanoes work. Many photographs and diagrams are included. This is a great inspiration for future volcanologists. Although made in 2002, the USGS film Molten Paradise is a fascinating supplement.

Tracking Change with Satellite Imagery

Get students excited about studying the changing Earth with a new lesson plan that uses Landsat satellite images from multiple years to show changes in the global landscape. Targeted to grades 5-8.

National Parks in 3D!
photo of grand geyser

Visit this newly restored website to take a photographic tour of 66 different National Parks, Monuments, Historic Sites, Recreation Areas, Forests and Seashores! Each park site contains a geologic map and a photo gallery to be viewed with 3D glasses, as well as standard photographs and information about each image.

thumbnail of poster listing 20 cool facts

20 Cool Facts about the New Madrid Seismic Zone
Download a free poster summarizing significant facts about the series of magnitude 7.0 (and greater) earthquakes that struck the region of Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky in 1811 and 1812. Follow up with additional information about the earthquakes.

New USGS Kids Website!
Create an animal coloring book, learn about invasive species, read stories about interesting animals, play nature games, make cool stuff and more at the new USGS Kids website, which is mostly targeted to grades K-6.

Disease Detectives: Investigating the Mysteries of Zoonotic Diseases
Learn how scientists act as detectives to study zoonotic diseases (diseases transmitted from animals to humans) in a brief, but thorough, audio podcast. Zoonotic diseases not only threaten human health, but can also have an enormous impact on the economy.

A leaning doorway caused by an earthquake

Earthquakes in Your State

What is the history of earthquakes in your state? The USGS has a brief earthquake history for each state along with maps, links to local organizations, and information about recent and notable earthquakes.

Get details about recent significant earthquakes, including the August 24 earthquake in Virginia, at the USGS Earthquake Summary Posters website. The posters are easily downloaded and are an excellent resource for the classroom.

Image of Earth's surface viewed from space.

USGS Climate Connections
In this new video series, leading USGS scientists answer America's questions about climate change. The second episode, USGS Climate Connections: Questions from North and South Carolina, addresses citizen concerns from North and South Carolina, including: how climate change affects the coast, what is being done regarding the effects of global warming on rivers and streams, whether planting trees can impact climate change, and what we have learned about climate change since the 1970s.

Visit the USGS Office of Global Change for more information.

Resources for Natural Hazard Events
A new 2-page fact sheet nicely summarizes USGS emergency resources. This is an excellent reference for teachers and students who want to stay on top of natural hazard events: how to get automatic notifications, where to find real-time information, and which websites have disaster imagery.

Screenshot showing parts of North Carolina covered by sea level rise.

Sea Level Rise
Who will be affected by sea level rise as glaciers and ice caps melt? Find out by watching sea level rise animations for the World, individual countries, and individual states.

The animations are not a prediction of sea level rise, but rather illustrate areas of low elevation by using a blue color that simulates coverage by water. The numbers of people in those areas are tabulated.

Image of an earthquake hazard map for the U.S. showing high probability areas.

Earthquake Prediction
Learn about the science of earthquake prediction in a new public lecture by USGS seismologist (and popular speaker) Susan Hough. What have we learned from recent earthquakes in Haiti, Chile, and Japan?

Short on time? Listen to a seven minute podcast about earthquake prediction.

USGS Climate Connections
In this new video series, leading USGS scientists answer America's questions about climate change. The first episode, USGS Climate Connections: Visiting Students in North Carolina, features questions and answers from students in Mt. Airy, NC.

Visit the USGS Office of Global Change for more information.

Thumbnail of publication cover showing water rippling away from North America

The Orphan Tsunami of 1700—Japanese Clues to a Parent Earthquake in North America
In 1700, a mysterious tsunami flooded fields and washed away houses in Japan. It arrived without the warning that is usually provided by a nearby earthquake. Follow along with scientists as they discover clues suggesting that the tsunami originated from a large earthquake in the Cascadia region of North America. Learn how we use the past to help warn of outsize earthquakes and tsunamis of the future.

Find more information about USGS tsunami research.

Thumbnail of publication cover showing erupting volcano

Eruptions of Hawaiian Volcanoes— Past, Present, and Future
Download a free PDF of this newly revised and updated publication that focuses on the eruptive history, style, and products of two of Hawai’i’s active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Written for a general audience, this publication is richly illustrated with diagrams and photographs. A limited number of hard copies will soon be available.

Learn more at the website for the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

Thumbnail of publication cover showing abstract volcano drawing

Alaska Volcanoes Guidebook for Teachers

Over a third of Alaska's 140 volcanoes have been active in the last 300 years. This new online-only publication has chapters covering the tectonic setting, rocks, eruption styles, landforms, community impact, effect on climate, and monitoring of Alaska's volcanoes. Each chapter has 3-4 detailed classroom activities for grades 6-12 and a large amount of supplemental materials.

Bicentennial of the 1811-1812 New Madrid Earthquake Sequence
Several of the largest historical earthquakes to strike the continental U.S. occurred in the winter of 1811-1812 along the New Madrid Seismic Zone, which stretches from just west of Memphis, Tenn. into southern Illinois. These earthquakes produced at least three temblors between magnitude 7-8, and hundreds of aftershocks. New USGS products can help students learn what happened 200 years ago and how to prepare for the next big earthquake in the central U.S.

Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country: Your Handbook for Earthquakes in the Central United States

Bicentennial of the 1811-1812 New Madrid Earthquake Sequence (poster)

Earthquakes in the Central United States, 1699-2010 (poster)

Earthquake Hazard in the Heart of the Homeland (2006 Fact Sheet)

Details and Events for the New Madrid Bicentennial.

New GIS Lesson

Explore Africa's physical and cultural geography in a new GIS lesson with seven different activities. Each activity builds on the data, skills, and concepts learned in the previous activity, and includes instructions for use with both ArcView and ArcGIS. These lessons were created for GIS beginners, but can be adapted for users at other levels.

Satellite image of Iran's Great Salt Desert

Earth as Art 3 Images

Inspire interest in Land Remote Sensing with this spectacular new collection of satellite images, selected solely for their aesthetic appeal. Download free, high-resolution JPG or TIF files, or purchase paper copies through the USGS Store.

Good supplemental material includes the EarthNow! continuous Landsat satellite viewer, Earthshots images of environmental change (developed for classroom use), the Changes Over Time gallery, an online public lecture: Looking Down on our Planet, and the Landsat Mission website. Download free USGS satellite imagery and air photography through EarthExplorer.

Sample view of the 100 topographic maps viewer

Topographic Maps Illustrating Physiographic Features
More than 50 years ago, the USGS selected a set of 100 topographic maps showing good examples of a wide range of physical features in the United States. The goal was to help students learn about the geologic evolution of the Nation’s natural landscapes and to show how topographic maps reveal more about the land surface than its shape and elevation. These specially printed map sets have been unavailable for many years.

The National Atlas is now launching an improved and revised digital "Set of 100 Maps" using a simple online viewer. The initial release includes five maps from different parts of the country; additional maps will be added every few months. Go here to find more ideas for teaching with topographic maps.

EarthNow! screen capture showing satellite image and index map

EarthNow! Near-Real Time Satellite Image Viewer

What does a satellite see as it passes over our planet? Find out with the EarthNow! Landsat Image Viewer, which shows mesmerizing, near-real time satellite imagery from the Landsat 5 and Landsat 7 satellites as they pass over North America.

A fun way to learn more about these satellites and their imagery is to watch a high-resolution, 1-hour public lecture, Looking Down On Our Planet: New satellite imagery reveals a changing global surface.

Also explore Earthshots: Satellite Images of Environmental Change, an educational site full of before and after satellite images with detailed information for the classroom.

Sample of US Topo map showing the Coffeyville East quadrangle in Kansas

US Topo: The Next Generation Topographic Map
Do you teach about maps, or do you use them in the classroom? The USGS has developed a new map series called the US Topo. Modeled on the old topographic series, these maps are derived from digital data that will allow the entire contiguous U.S. to be remapped every three years. US Topo maps are currently only available for certain states in the central and eastern U.S., but maps of new locations are constantly being added. Download free digital US Topo maps through the Map Locator on the USGS Store (or order paper copies). Download PDF files of traditional topographic maps at the same site.

Be sure to explore Lessons and Activities for topographic maps.

The Fragile Fringe: Teaching about Coastal Wetlands
What are the beneficial functions of coastal wetlands? How are they impacted by canals and subsidence? What are the functions of barrier islands?

Learn about the importance of healthy coastal wetlands along the Gulf coast and in other locations through this online teaching guide. Each topic includes a classroom activity to illustrate the concept. A glossary, reading list, and resources for additional activities are included. For elementary and middle school students.

As a supplement, watch a new 8-minute video about the Effects of Sea-Level Rise on Coastal Wetlands in the Mississippi Delta and a new 7-minute video about the Impacts of Hurricanes on Salt Marsh and Mangrove Wetlands.

Photos of a scuba diver swimming underwater

Sound Waves: Coastal and Marine Research News
Explore non-technical articles about interesting discoveries and research in coastal and marine science. Sound Waves is a monthly newsletter with a rich archive of stories collected since 1999. Sign up to receive monthly email updates!

Thumbnail of GIP106 poster: 100-Year Flood -- It's All About Chance

What is a 100-Year Flood?
The term "100-year flood" is part of the national lexicon, but is often a source of confusion. Download and/or print this free poster that attempts to explain the concept, probabilistic nature, and inherent uncertainties of the "100-year flood" to the layman. Print full-size at 44" x 38" or on 11" x 17" paper.

Thumbnail of GIP 103, 30 Cool Facts about Mount St. Helens

30th Anniversary of Mount St. Helens Eruption
On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens Volcano exploded violently, causing the worst volcanic disaster in the history of the United States. Visit the anniversary Web site to explore materials about the eruption, including a new poster, 30 Cool Facts about Mount St. Helens (free through the USGS Store).

Watch two fascinating new videos in which USGS scientists recount their experiences during the eruption, and the eruption is shown to have triggered a growth in volcano science and volcano monitoring.

Thumbnail of USGS employees measuring streamflow with a wading rod

New Gateway to USGS Water Resources
The newly revised USGS Water Resources Web site makes it easier to find the information and data that you need for classroom use.

Be sure to visit the excellent new Water Education page with its exhaustive list of resources, and take special note of the new Data Discovery page, which includes real-time national maps for streamflow, drought, floods, groundwater levels, and water quality. The Water Use page has useful links to reports on national water use and comparisons of water consumption vs. renewable supplies.

125 Years of USGS Topographic Maps
December, 2009 marks the 125th Anniversary of the USGS Topographic Mapping Program. Explore newly updated lesson plans, activities, and resources for teaching with and about USGS topographic maps.View historical photographs of USGS topographers and cartographers at work. Learn about the new generation of digital topographic maps being released by the USGS.

Image of front cover of the new Colleg Board Standards for College Success

Science College Board Standards for College Success
A new report from the College Board identifies the discipline-specific content knowledge and scientific practices that will provide all students with the education necessary to prepare them for success in college. The USGS co-chaired the Commission and was the only Federal science agency asked to have representation. This is the first time that the College Board has recognized and included a distinct set of standards for earth science.

Thumbnail of Earth as Art image of Terkezi Oasis in Chad

Satellite Image Gallery
The USGS EROS (Earth Resources Observation and Science) Image Gallery offers free downloads of high-resolution satellite images that will captivate students of all ages. The Tri-Decadal Global Landsat Orthorectified States collection combines satellite data with elevation data to produce spectacular images of each individual state. The Earth as Art collections offer satellite images chosen for their unique beauty. Paper copies of all these images can also be purchased through the USGS Store.

Thumbnail of cover for Earth Science Literacy Principles showing hands cupping a globe

Earth Science Literacy Principles
The major ideas and supporting concepts of Earth science that all citizens should know has recently been released by Earth Science Literacy Initiative (ESLI). This document was developed through support from the National Science Foundation and is a result of a year-long effort that brought together scientists from across the earth sciences. The document provides a summary of the major ideas in earth science for use by policy makers, educators, students and the general public. USGS Education hosted the initial planning meeting for this study and served on the steering committee throughout the report's development. A press release has also been issued.

America's Volcanic and Geologic Past
Most of what is now the United States has experienced volcanic activity at some point in geologic history. Read about the volcanic past of each state, followed by a brief summary of the overall geologic history of the state. Find more state-based science through Science in Your Backyard

Become a Phenology Observer
The National Phenology Network (sponsored by the USGS) is looking for volunteers to help monitor 200 plant species (animals will soon be added) found across the United States. Learn how to monitor plant phenology and sign up to contribute new observations to the national phenology database. Make this a classroom project!

Thumbnail of poster showing common mineral uses

Do We Take Minerals for Granted?
Did you know that the average automobile contains 42 lbs of copper? Use this site to learn about the everyday use of minerals, minerals and the environment, mineral supplies, and much more. An additional report on Geology and Nonfuel Mineral Deposits of the United States is an excellent source of information, page size maps, and illustrations of geologic processes.

Thumbnail of Southern Appalachian geologic map

Geology of the Southern Appalachian Mountains
Created for use in high school and college classrooms, this new double-sided USGS map consists of a geologic map, photographs of geologic features, diagrams of plate movement, and more. The map is companion to the DVD and Teachers Guide The Southern Appalachians, a Changing World and the brochure Birth of the Mountains.

The Landslide Handbook - A Guide to Understanding Landslides
This new USGS Circular is targeted to the general public and makes a wonderful resource for teachers and students seeking to learn the basics about landslides. The handbook is heavily illustrated with photographs and diagrams and includes an extensive glossary.

thumbnail of GIP 64 showing a cutaway diagram of a volcano

New Volcano Posters—Free!
Two new USGS volcano posters are must-haves for the classroom wall. Geologic Hazards at Volcanoes is a cut-away diagram depicting the anatomy of a volcano and related surface hazards. Eruptions in the Cascade Range During the Past 4,000 Years is a timeline of Cascade Range eruptions. Get these FREE posters through the USGS Store ($5 shipping per total order).

Earthquake Summary Posters
View and download posters (36 inches x 24 inches) that provide detailed information and a brief discussion about large earthquakes soon after they occur. Images include the epicentral area, plate tectonic environment, earthquake history, and generalized seismic hazard of the region. The posters serve as a one-stop-shop for information about large earthquakes that have occurred since 2002.

Thumnail of the cover for Circular 1245 showing people standing in flood waters

Large Floods in the United States: Where They Happen and Why
The locations of most of our largest floods are due to combinations of regional climate, topography, and basin size. Learn more in this downloadable, 19-page publication that is designed for the general public. Also read daily reports on the Indiana floods with links to photographs, discharge measurements, and additional educational details!

Thumbnail of GIP 58 showing dinosaurs and fossils spiraling through time

The Geologic Time Spiral—A Path to the Past
The centerfold illustration from the popular USGS pamphlet "Geologic Time" is now available as a downloadable poster in both page-size and poster-size resolutions. This diagram is a wonderful representation of the age of the Earth from its creation, through the different geologic eras, and up to the present. Perfect for classroom walls!

Check Out the Latest USGS Podcast
You're About to Get Schooled—In the fifth and final episode of the Earth Science Week coverage, USGS Education Coordinator Bob Ridky tells us why science education is important for everybody, why kids need to get outside, and more.

Accessibility FOIA Privacy Policies and Notices

U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://education.usgs.gov/archive.html
Page Contact Information: Education Webmaster
Page Last Modified: Thursday, 07-Feb-2013 10:43:33 EST