Project Ideas: Geology

Features from Project Ideas:
Frog Watch
Land and People
Sea-Floor Model

Geology | Biology | Geography | Hydrology | Links to other online project ideas

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Links with the globe icon connects to non-USGS sites. We are happy to provide this link for your convenience. Please be aware that we cannot guarantee the accuracy of non-USGS sites.

1. How to build a model illustrating sea-floor spreading and subduction.
   Sample Project
   Reference Links:
   Plate Tectonics...
   Sea-Floor Spreading

2. Build a working model that demonstrates the cause of earthquakes.
   Sample Project 1 | Sample Project 2
   Reference Links:
   Earthquake Hazards Program
   Virtual Earthquake
   The San Andreas Fault
   Earthquakes for Kids
   Geophysical Principles Demos

3. Construct a model volcano and explain what causes it to erupt.
   Sample Project 1 | Sample Project 2
   Reference Links:
   Volcano Hazards Program
   Monitoring Active Volcanoes
   Volcanoes
   Volcanoes of the United States
   Photo Glossary of Volcanic Terms

4. Build a model that simulates the Earth's crustal plates so that when two of the plates crush together a "mountain" is built.
   Reference Links:
   This Dynamic Earth
   Plate Movements
   When Continents Collide

5. Show how coal is formed and explain the difference in types of coal.
   Reference Links:
   Coal Country
   Coal Activities

6. Which rocks are the hardest and best for building?
   Reference Links:
   Building Stones of Our Nation's Capitol
   Collecting Rocks
   Rocks
   Minerals and Rocks

7. Explain which type of rock is best for fossil hunting and show local examples.
   Reference Links:
   Fossil Groups
   Fossils, Rocks, and Time
   Tour of Fossil Rocks
   How Do Fossils Form?

8. Reconstruct a 50-year climatic history.
   Reference Links:
   Time and Cycle
   U.S. Climate at a Glance

9. How do caves form? What are the threats to cave environments? Name and describe species that live in caves. How do they interact? What are the different zones of caves where life exists? Which types of animals inhabit these various zones? Sample Project
   Reference Links:
   Geology of Caves
   Tour of Caves and Karst Parks
   Explore Caves
   Indiana Bats
   Bats of Jewel Cave

Geology | Biology | Geography | Hydrology | Links to other online project ideas

Download and make fun three-dimensional paper models of earth events and phenomena.

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