The Western Region of the United States provides a nearly unparalleled opportunity for presenting Earth System Science in the classroom. From the Aleutians of Alaska to the Cascade-Sierra Mountains that extend from Washington to California, tectonics and volcanic activity define much of the region. The islands of Hawaii expand the conversation with the introduction of hot spots, while the terranes of Alaska and the mileage of coastline provide even further opportunities to discuss geological processes. With incredible features throughout the region, the geology of the American West is a textbook in and of itself.

 

Coming in Winter 2010, the Teacher-Friendly Guide to the Geology of the Western United States will serve both formal and informal educators with a “go-to” reference that will provide a comprehensive overview of the area’s history and features, answering the question: Why does this place look the way it does? Standard textbooks make few references to the geology of any one area because of their nationwide audiences, and popular geology literature concentrates on a particular state, often failing to show how local geology fits into a regional context. The Teacher-Friendly Guide will fill this need. Intended as a curriculum supplement, the guide will provide educators with the content and tools necessary to introduce local and regional Earth system science into their classrooms. Although targeted for 8-9th grade Earth science teachers, the guides are appropriate for anyone who incorporates Earth science into their curriculum, from elementary school through college.