State geological surveys hold vast collections of maps, datasets, and educational materials that can meaningfully enhance earth science instruction. This presentation highlights how the Ohio Geological Survey—supported by more than 180 years of research and publicly accessible geologic data—serves as a model for integrating real-world geoscience resources into middle school, high school, and postgraduate classrooms.
The Ohio Rocks! Earth Science Education Program is a multifaceted outreach initiative designed to teach Ohio's geologic history, natural resources, and the relevance of geology to everyday life. Its mission includes inspiring young Ohioans to pursue geoscience careers, increasing awareness of critical earth science issues, and fostering collaboration among educators, planners, and industry.
Ohio Rocks! educators collaborated with classroom educators to lead students through multiple lab exercises utilizing recent glacial geologic research in Licking and Clark Counties, Ohio conducted by the Ohio Geological Survey. They also learned about glacial deposits, their depositional environment and their relevance to modern society by identifying and describing sediment cores extracted from the Ohio Geological Survey's project area. Through activities like these, educators can leverage resources from their state geological surveys to enrich earth science curricula, strengthen geoliteracy, and inspire the next gen of geoscientists.