Earth Science Extras (ESE2)

Module 3: Stories Through Real Investigation

This module includes a field and lab investigation of soils plus a field tour of Minnesota. Background material is provided for the field tour addressing Plate Tectonics, Structural Geology, Paleoenvironmental Interpretaion, Geological Mapping, Paleontology, and Historical Geology of North America. Lessons of this module presume a familiarity with ideas presented in Earth Science Essentials (ESE1) which can be accessed from the Earth Science for Teachers homepage

Individual lessons will open in a new page--simply close the page when done and return here.

• An Experimental and Field Investigation of Soil Properties
• Note: The field and experimental investigation below is intended to particularly address the Minnesota High School Benchmark:
9E.1.2.1.2 Plan and conduct an investigation of the properties of soils to model the effects of human activity on soil resources. (P: 3, CC: 2, CI: ESS3, ETS2) Emphasis is on identifying variables to test, developing a workable experimental design, and identifying limitations of the data. Examples of variables may include soil type and composition (particularly those found in Minnesota), erosion rate, water infiltration rates, nutrient profiles, soil conservation practices, or specific crop requirements.
• Guidelines and Assignment for an Independent Experimental Investigation of Soils
• An example Investigation and Report (for when you've done yours, or at least got it started)



• Telling Field Stories of Minnesota Geology
• Note: The online field trips below include pictures from real Miinesota field trips with the opportunity to interpret the features in order to "read" the geological story of Minnesota. Part 1 examines the glacial terrain and glacial lake of NW Minnesota, the glacial river and till deposits of the Minnesota River Valley, the Paleozoic marine trangsressions and cave formations of SE Minnesota, and the Precambrian alluvial plain of SW Minnesota (Pipestone). Part 2 examines the Precambrian mountain building events and plate tectonic rift of E Minnesota and the Iron and copper ore district of NE Minnesota. You may want to check out the background review materials below before going thorough the field trip exercises.
• Selected Geology Stories from Minnesota, Part 1: Interactive Text
• Selected Geology Stories from Minnesota, Part 2: Interactive Text




• Preparation for Field Work--Background Concepts
• Note: When working in the field--or when doing an "online" field trip through picture--a good understanding of many geology concepts allows for both better observations and better interpretations of those observations. The lessons below are provided for those whose understanding of basic geology concepts might be a little rusty. Some of these materials are drawn from Earth Science Essentials (ESE1) while other materials are new to Earth Science Extras (ESE2). Be aware that these materials may not provide all needed background understanding so feel free to supplement with your own reading or online research where needed.
• Intro to Stories of Long Ago (ESE1)
• Interpreting Sedimentary Rocks (ESE1)
• Interpreting Layers of Rock (ESE1)
• Understanding Transgressions and Regressions (ESE1)
• Example Minnesota Field Studies (ESE1)


• Sedimentary Depositional Environments Review Exercise (to be solved by prevous knowledge, Googled info, or trial and error)
• An Invertebrate Fossil Primer: Identification Lab
• Structural Geology Part 1 Lecture
• Structural Geology, Part 1, Plate Tectonics: Interactive Text
• Structural Geology Part 2 Lecture
• Structural Geology, Part 2, Spatial Thinking and Mapping: Interactive Text
• The Paleogeography of North America: Lecture
• The Paleogeographic Mapping of North America: Interactive Text




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7/21/2023--pictures and text copyright Russ Colson