Looking for ways to teach geology to your students? We’ve developed the following lesson plans to assist.
Photo credit: Kevin Masarik
Sculpt Wisconsin’s aquifers using modeling clay
In our newest lesson plan, students will use modeling clay to create a model of Wisconsin’s four main aquifers. This activity helps them envision Wisconsin’s aquifers in three dimensions while learning about the geologic concepts that guide how geologists interpret the rocks below ground.
DOWNLOAD the Aquifers Lesson Plan
Create your own groundwater model in a plastic shoebox
Help students learn firsthand about the connection between surface water and groundwater. Using a plastic shoebox, sand, and a turkey baster, students will see how water enters and moves through an aquifer.
DOWNLOAD the Shoebox Groundwater Model Lesson Plan
Getting hit by a meteorite—what are the odds?
Using a model to understand the scientific method
Using a beach ball globe, a piece of paper, and a calculator, students gather data on the likelihood of getting hit by a meteorite. This lesson plan helps students understand the scientific method by creating and using a model, formulating a hypothesis, collecting data, and testing predictions.
DOWNLOAD the Meteorites Lesson Plan
3-D window into Wisconsin’s geology
Using the 3-D Wisconsin map to understand the geology that shaped our state
Wearing a pair of 3-D glasses, students view the 3-D Wisconsin map and write down distinctive landscape features. Working from the list and the map key, the group puts names to features. Learn more about the state’s landscape features from our website and from resources listed in the lesson plan.
DOWNLOAD the 3-D Wisconsin Lesson Plan
Uncovering Wisconsin’s geologic past
Getting a handle on rock layers and deep time
In this two-part lesson plan, students create a three-dimensional model of the rocks beneath Milwaukee using real Wisconsin rock samples. To help them grasp deep time, they then build a rock timeline showing when each of the layers was deposited. Uses the Wisconsin’s Geologic Past poster, rocks, and a rope.
