Geothermal Exchange Activity Source: The Geological Society of America Grade Levels: 6-10 Background If you were to dig a few feet into the ground, you would find that the temperature remains relatively constant, even on the hottest and coldest days of the year. People have learned how to harness the heat underground— called geothermal energy— to heat and cool homes. In this activity, you will model a geothermal exchange system to show how heat can be transferred to help control the temperature in buildings and homes. [Read More]

Geothermal Features in National Parks Activity Source: National Park Service Grade Levels: 4-9 Background Geothermal features are formed by heat from beneath the Earth’s surface, creating amazing sights like geysers, hot springs, volcanoes, and tar pits. Many of these features are now in protected areas designated as National Parks, allowing people to experience them in their natural state. These areas also help scientists study Earth’s processes, while conserving habitats for the unique ecosystems supported by geothermal features and promoting environmental education. [Read More]

Karst Topography Model Activity Source: National Park Service and Forest Service. Adapted with permission.from the U.S. Geological Survey Open-file Report 97-536-A Karst Topography Computer animations and paper model, 1997 Did you know that a quarter of the world’s population gets drinking water from karst aquifers? Karst is the type of landscape that forms by dissolution of carbonate rocks (limestone, dolomite) or other highly soluble rocks such as evaporates (gypsum and rock salt). [Read More]

Solution Mining for Uranium Activity Source: Minerals Education Coalition Grade Levels: 7-12 Background Nuclear energy is used around the world to generate electrical power in a way that does not produce greenhouse gases. Its use is predicted to grow in the coming years. This will increase the demand for uranium, which is mined for medical, industrial, and defense purposes, in addition to producing nuclear energy. Although it is mined in several ways, most uranium in the U. [Read More]

Toasty Wind Activity Source: NOAA Grade Levels: 5-8 Background Energy transfers are happening everywhere around us. Some we can feel or see, such as a gust of wind blowing through a tree. But where does the energy come from that drives that wind? With this activity, finding out will be a breeze! Materials Paper plate or card stock Marker Scissors String (~3 inches) Hot plate or toaster SAFETY NOTE: This activity uses a heat source and should be conducted with adult supervision. [Read More]