Skip to agency navigation
Skip to main content

Official Website

of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    The .gov means its official.

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

    Geology Education

    The rich natural history, abundant mineral resources, and varied landscape of Pennsylvania provides teachers, students, families, and the public many opportunities to enjoy and learn about geology.

    Resources for Teachers

    Geology has been an integral part of the Pennsylvania K-12 earth science curriculum for more than 50 years.

    Innovations in science education require teachers to look beyond the textbooks to bring geology concepts into the classroom.

    DCNR is committed to providing teachers with tools and resources to make geology both interesting and exciting to students.

    Pennsylvania Geology Educational Booklets

    DCNR’s Bureau of Geological Survey has published booklets in its educational series (ES) and as an environmental geology report (EG) that explain topics related to Pennsylvania geology.

    Several of these booklets can be used to address the Pennsylvania academic standards and anchors established through the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

    ES 1–12 contain introductory materials for students on a variety of geologic topics with a focus on Pennsylvania. EG 2 reviews the effects of geology on man’s activities and vice versa.

    These publications are free. They can be viewed or downloaded, and for some, printed copies can be obtained from the bureau.

    Pennsylvania Geology Educational Maps

    In their classrooms, teachers can use the DCNR Bureau of Geological Survey poster maps and page-size maps that illustrate aspects of the geology of Pennsylvania. All of the listed maps are free to view or download, and some are available in print from the bureau.

    Pennsylvania Geology Interactive CD

    A CD of statewide digital information that can supplement earth-science classroom activities is available to teachers free of charge.

    The disc offers many educational resources:

    • Lesson plans based on grade level
    • Geologic data and custom maps
    • Educational publications and page-size maps
    • Educational games, including PA Map, Rocktris, and Ringing Rocks
    • Helpful web links

    Pennsylvania Rock Samples

    DCNR’s Bureau of Geological Survey sells a rock box known as the Pennsylvania Rock Hound Kit.

    This useful teaching tool contains samples of Pennsylvania rocks. Ordering information can be found on the Identifying and Collecting webpage.

    Pennsylvania Rock Samples

    DCNR’s Bureau of Geological Survey sells a rock box known as the Pennsylvania Rock Hound Kit. 

     

    This useful teaching tool contains samples of Pennsylvania rocks.

    More on Identifying and Collecting
    Order a Rock Box