The U.S. Geological Survey provides scientific information intended to help educate the public about natural resources, natural hazards, geospatial data, and issues that affect our quality of life. Discover selected online resources, including lessons, data, maps, and more, to support teaching, learning, education (K-12), and university-level inquiry and research.
Do you teach about maps, or do you use them in the classroom? The USGS has developed a new map series called the US Topo. Modeled on the old topographic series, these maps are derived from digital data that will allow the entire contiguous U.S. to be remapped every three years. US Topo maps are currently only available for certain states in the central and eastern U.S., but maps of new locations are constantly being added. Download free digital US Topo maps through the Map Locator on the USGS Store (or order paper copies). Download PDF files of traditional topographic maps at the same site.
Schoolyard Geology
Turn a "field trip" through your own schoolyard into a rich geologic experience.
USGS Store Browse and purchase paper maps and other popular educational products by clicking on "Education Products" (teacher discounts are available). Download free digital topographic maps by clicking on "Map Locator".
Ask USGS
Can't find the information you need? Send your question to Ask USGS or call our information specialists toll-free at 1-888-ASK-USGS (1-888-275-8747). For questions related to geology only, receive a personal response from a USGS scientist by contacting Ask-A-Geologist.
USGS Social Media Keep up with USGS science using the latest social media including Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook. Subscribe to news feeds and real-time earthquake alerts; listen to podcasts; get updates on new USGS publications, videos, and photographs; and more!
NAGT-USGS Cooperative Field Training Program Forty-four student interns have been placed in the 2010 National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT)-USGS Cooperative Summer Field Training Program. Take a look at the exciting projects in which these students will be participating.
Updated Education Resources Handout
Incorporate USGS science in lesson-planning with help from this updated handout.
Seismicity of the Earth 1900–2007
Download a new map that llustrates over 100 years of global seismicity in the context of plate tectonics. This map provides a slightly different perspective from This Dynamic Planet, which is targeted to educators.
Seismicity of the Aleutian Arc 1900–2007
Download a new map showing details of seismicity on the Aleutian Arc that are not visible in the above global map. Go to World Seismicity Maps to view Web versions of additional maps from other regions of the world.
Summary Poster of the M3.6 Earthquake near Washington D.C.
View/download a poster that shows the epicentral area, plate tectonic environment, earthquake history, and generalized seismic hazard of the region.
U.S. Department of the Interior |
U.S. Geological Survey
