For the more information about the geologic resources of the National Park Service, please visit http://www.nature.nps.gov/geology/.
Education and Outreach
The outstanding geologic features preserved in the National Parks can easily capture and hold the interests and imagination of students of all ages. National Parks provide a multitude of learning experiences that can help people understand the geologic story behind the scenery. Park visitors gain an awareness and knowledge of geologic systems in nature, as well as their role in preserving them.
Please remember that the collection of rock, minerals, and fossils is illegal on parklands.The National Park Service supports non-consumptive, non-impacting educational activities that use observation, photography, art, writing, and mapping. Many park programs include action-oriented, hands-on activities that allow kids to have fun while they're learning.
EXPLORE. LEARN. PROTECT.
Resource Education Sites
Earth Science Concepts
Landforms
Coming soon » Teaching Resources
Interactive Websites—Views of the National Parks
Related Sites
National Fossil Day
The National Park Service and the American Geological Institute host National Fossil Day each October during Earth Science Week. National Fossil Day is a celebration organized to promote public awareness and stewardship of fossils, as well as to foster a greater appreciation of their scientific and educational value. Learn more...
NPS Education Portal
This site hosts a growing collection of educational resources from throughout the National Park Service can be found on this searchable site created for teachers. Includes Parks as Classroms, professional development, and distance learning information. Learn more...
Park Interpretive Training Manuals
How best can teachers and interpreters make park geology relevant and enagaging? A group of geology communications graduate students at Oregon State University working under Dr. Bob Lillie have prepared interpretive training manuals that help educators make connections with their audiences. Learn more...
Premier Geologic Sites
The best geologist is the one who has seen the most rocks. Explore America's geologic heritage through a tour of premier geologic parks and superlative sites. These memorable sites are too big for any museum and too beautiful to miss. Learn more...
Soils Education - USDA—NRCS
The Natural Resource Conservation Service's Soil Education site offers interesting and fun activities to build a greater appreciation of the value of soil. NRCS is working with the NPS to map and interpret wildland soils in the national parks. Learn more...
WebRangers
WebRangers is the on-line extension of the popular NPS Junior Ranger program. WebRangers offers interactive educational activities for youth to do in the classroom or at home— anytime the park is just too far away to visit in person. Learn more...
Classic Web Resources - these websites are old but useful; they are no longer maintained and will be replaced as new/updated sites come on-line.
Related Links
- Geoscience Careers Poster [PDF front 1MB] [PDF back 5MB]
- Earth Science Week
- NPS World Heritage Sites
Key Contacts
Jim F Wood
Geologic Heritage and Education Program Lead
Geologic Resources Division
12795 West Alameda Parkway
Lakewood, Colorado 80228
(303) 969-2149 (office)
Contact - Jim F Wood
Vincent Santucci
Senior Geologist / Paleontologist / Washington Liaison
Geologic Resources Division
1201 Eye Street, NW (Room 1146)
Washington, D.C. 20005
(202) 513-7186 (NPS office)
(703) 648-6941 (USGS office)
(202) 359-4124 (cell)
Contact - Vincent Santucci
Heather Walborn
Guest Scientist - GeoCorps America™
Geologic Resources Division
12795 West Alameda Parkway
Lakewood, Colorado 80228
Contact - Heather Walborn
Jason Kenworthy
Geologic Reports and Jr. Paleontologist Program Coordinator
Geologic Resources Division
12795 West Alameda Parkway
Lakewood, Colorado 80228
(303) 987-6923 (office)
Contact - Jason Kenworthy
Harold (Hal) Pranger
Geologic Features and Systems Branch Chief
Geologic Resources Division
12795 West Alameda Parkway
Lakewood, Colorado 80228
(303) 969-2018 (office)
Contact - Hal Pranger
GRD Mailing Address
National Park Service
Geologic Resources Division
P.O. Box 25287
Denver, Colorado 80225-0287
Last Updated: June 16, 2014
