Demonstration

The American Geosciences Institute (AGI), in collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) Geoheritage Sites of the Nation project, has developed a Geoheritage Site Resource Collection to support Earth Science education that draws relevance from locations imbued with value along one or more dimensions--including, scientific, educational, cultural, economic, and aesthetic. The free resources highlight nationally significant geologic sites and connect their scientific importance with cultural, historical, environmental, and community relevance.

This presentation will introduce educators to AGI's geoheritage resources alongside the interactive USGS StoryMaps. Participants will explore how geoheritage sites can serve as powerful entry points for teaching Earth systems science while also connecting to broader societal themes, including sustainability, resilience, conservation, and land stewardship.

Aligned with AGI's ongoing efforts to integrate the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across its educational initiatives, the session will demonstrate how geoheritage sites provide contexts for discussing global challenges such as climate action, sustainable communities, responsible resource use, and environmental protection. Educators will leave with practical strategies for incorporating local or virtual site investigations into K–16 classrooms, fostering student curiosity, civic awareness, and a deeper understanding of how geoscience informs solutions to real-world issues at local to global scales.