S.T.E.M. Learning Resources for Geology

by blackspanielgallery

S.T.E.M. learning resources for geology are available to help students with geology whether they are in a school, being homeschooled, or have an interest in the subject.

S.T.E.M. learning resources for geology make it possible to engage the hands-on and the visual learner. Understanding what is going on inside the Earth is easier to explain, and for the student easier to understand, if a model is used. The good news is models are easy to find. However, care must be taken if one is to stay within a budget.

For quality models, handling by a child is not likely to destroy them. Many are made to be durable.

Another positive is models can be reused. So, if a student is one of several who will need to complete an Earth study, the models can be used over and over. Or, for homeschool applications, if a group joins together and cover the material at different times, or concurrently as a group, the cost can be spread making models even more attractive. Then they can be passed on to another group of students.

What Age Is Appropriate?

Some students take a course in Earth sciences, which includes geology and meteorology.  Other students take a course in physical science, which includes these same topics, and includes others such as astronomy.  While the encounter with studying the Earth might occur in middle school or high school, the same models are applicable in college.  And an advanced student might embark on a study of geology at an earlier age.  As long as the student is advanced enough to not become frustrated, use of study models is fine. 

 

Earth Bags

Image from NASA - in Public Domain

Landforms

Studying the landforms of the earth can occur as a lesson within a science course, and that study might occur in geology or in geography.  In fact, physical geography encompasses geology and meteorology.  And when studying unfamiliar places these topics can be part of the study. 

Plate Tectonics

Plate tectonics is the study of movements of the individual plates.  The Earth has a solid surface that floats on a liquid layer.  The solid surface is cracked, and broken into tectonic plates, which literally float on the hot liquid below.  As they move about, the plates interact with each other.  Earthquakes and volcanos often result from the interaction.  The ways the earthquakes occur, and the types of volcanos that occur, are many.  Models help explain the different types of earthquakes, and the different kinds of volcanos.

Interactive Learning

Some students must actually handle something when studying for optimal results.  A model building kit might serve that need.

The Earth Layers

The Earth has several layers, which can be viewed by a model that shows the Earth cut open.  The liquid layer does not go right into the solid layer, but a layer acting like a plastic, that flows as a viscous liquid at best, is located in between.  Then, the center of the Earth, as a result of the extreme pressure, is solid, probably iron in crystal form.

Conclusion

S.T.E.M. studies do not have to be daunting.  With the right resources learning can become easier for the student, less stressful for both the teacher or parent and the student, and even enjoyable.

 

Using the right tools to engage the student can lead to an interest in a rewarding career.

 

This article contains links to affiliate programs and Adsense advertising.  These must use cookies to allow for proper crediting. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

 

The introduction image in public domain, and derived using a NASA image.  The product is on Zazzle, and is our own. 

Updated: 05/07/2019, blackspanielgallery
 
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blackspanielgallery on 09/02/2019

I am not familiar with such resources, but in studying volcanoes they are essentially the same regardless of location. I realize cooling takes place quicker, and mineral deposits are common for underwater volcanoes, but a study model would probably not get that detailed.

DerdriuMarriner on 08/30/2019

blackspanielgallery, Thank you for the practical information and the product lines.
Do the learning resources also cover underwater earthquakes and volcanoes?

blackspanielgallery on 05/13/2019

Thanks for the comment.

Mira on 05/09/2019

This was a fun page. The models really boosted my mood :)

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