KGS Educational Resources
This page lists links to information available at the Kansas Geological Survey that is most appropriate for educational use. This is not an exhaustive list; please check the other areas of the KGS Web Site for other resources that may also be of interest. In addition, several educational publications are listed in the Kansas Geological Survey publications catalog.
GeoKansas
Presented by the Kansas Geological Survey Geology Extension, GeoKansas presents regional information about the geology and geography of Kansas.
Photo Library
The KGS has created a database to explore the photos taken by KGS staff over the years. Try it and feel free to comment using the "Comment" button found on many the pages or using the email link at the bottom of the photo pages.
Alexander Gardner Rephotographic Project
Historic photos in 3-D with modern versions taken from the same locations.
PlumeBusters
An interactive simulator in which students take on the role of an environmental consultant to solve a contamination problem.
High Plains Aquifer Information Network
This site is dedicated to providing links to information, data, and resources related to the High Plains aquifer.
Reports and Books
- From Sea to Prairie--A Primer of Kansas Geology
- A general discussion of the changing Kansas landscape, geologic time, rocks and minerals, and fossils of Kansas is undertaken. The state is broken into 11 regions, and the book addresses the rock type, age, and landscape of each region.
- Physiographic Map of Kansas
- Learn about the geography of Kansas using this interactive map.
- Top Ten List
- What county leads in oil and gas production? Find out on the Top Ten list of oil and gas production page.
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(April 11, 2008) - Earthquakes
- Most Kansans have never felt a tremor, but more than 100 earthquakes rumbled through the state betwen 1977 and 1989. This circular acquaints the reader with the theory of plate tectonics, recording and measuring methods, and earthquake activity in Kansas. The other Public Information Circulars from the KGS may also be of interest.
- Ancient Life Found in Kansas Rocks--An Introduction to Common Kansas Fossils
- An introduction to common Kansas fossils, their formation and classification, and the geologic history of Kansas. Definitions for difficult terminology. Color illustrations.
- Petroleum: a Primer for Kansas
- The story behind the techniques, philosophies, and struggles of finding oil and gas in Kansas. It is written in non-technical language for those who have interests in the petroleum industry in one way or another, but who have had little or no training in the technical fields involved.
- A Kansan's Guide to Science
- Modern scientific inquiry has provided us with a wealth of insight into the workings of the natural world, and this will in turn lead to great technological advances as we enter the new century. In this high-tech era, it has become more imperative that average citizens, not just scientists, be equipped with a basic understanding of scientific discoveries and the scientific process.
- Kansas Ground Water--An Introduction to the State's Water Quantity, Quality, and Management Issues
- The purpose of this book is to help Kansans understand, protect, and manage wisely an important natural resource--the state's ground water. About half of all Kansans depend on ground water for their domestic supplies, and about 85% of the total water used in the state is ground water. This is an extensive reliance on a diminishing resource; on average, we are removing water from the ground at a rate several times faster than it is being replenished.
Single Sheet Maps and Charts
If you'd like a paper copy of these maps, single copies of the postcards or sheets are free; multiple copies are 10 cents each. Contact the Publications Sales Office for more information.
- Generalized geologic map of Kansas
- If you're interested in the geology of Kansas, check out this digital version of a map available as a postcard (Special Map 3) and as an 8 1/2 by 11 inch sheet (Special Map 2).
- Generalized map of Kansas oil and gas fields
- A digital version of a map available as an 8 1/2 by 11 inch sheet (Special Map 6).
- DEM Shaded Relief Map of Kansas
- Produced by the State of Kansas Data Access and Support Center at the Kansas Geological Survey
- Color Elevation Map of Kansas
- Produced by the State of Kansas Data Access and Support Center at the Kansas Geological Survey
- Kansas Geologic Timetable
- What happened in Kansas during the Mississipian Period? How many millions of years did the Jurassic Period last? This digital version of a sheet available (Special Map 10) from the KGS will help you learn the answers to these questions.
- General availability of ground water and normal annual precipitation in Kansas
- A digital version of a map available as an 8 1/2 by 11 inch sheet (Special Map 9).
Information from other organizations
Here are a few links you may find interesting if you are interested in Geology and Education. Other places to start include general Web indices such as Yahoo or Google.
- Earth Science Week
- The American Geological Institute sponsors Earth Science Week and invites you to join the celebration. You can use this web site to get details about Earth Science Week and as a source of ideas and materials for planning Earth science activities and events in your community. This year, Earth Science Week will be held October 14-20, 2007.
- National Association of Geology Teachers
- This is a national organization devoted to helping students and teachers of geoscience (pre-college and college).
- Dino Russ's Lair
- Dinosaur and Vertebrate Paleontology Information
- Kentucky Geological Survey Earth Science Education Network
- This page, a service of the Kentucky Geological Survey, brings together individuals providing earth science resources to teachers.
- Volcanoes
- Cascades Volcano Observatory, U. S. Geological Survey--A great site to start leaning about volcanoes.
- Michigan Technological University--Good world maps of volcanoes, lists of current events.
- Global Volcanism Program--Sponsored by the National Museum of Natural History at the Smithsonian Institution.
- Earthquakes
- Earthquake Hazards Program from the USGS
- Earthquake Hazards Program from the USGS (Central US region)
- St. Louis University Earthquake Page
- National Earthquake Information Center
- Surfing the Internet for Earthquake Data--from the University of Washington
- Earthquake Education and Resources--from the New Mexico Bureau of Mines and Mineral Resources