Living Observatory Field Guides
Educator Resources
The geology scavenger hunt is a core activity for the geology field guide. Based on a field trip to Tidmarsh this hunt emphasizes key unique features of our local geology.
A fun demonstration hydrological processes that influenced land formation and water flow paths that dominate the coastal plain of Southeastern Massachusetts.
Here is a lab/greenhouse experiment aimed at testing the response of Atlantic white cedars seedings to saltwater intrusion. This hands on activity is carried out over a few months and gets students familiar with using instruments and applying the scientific method.
We have also amassed a series of recommended activities for the local area as well as those that apply more broadly.
Bring the field experience back to the lab with these hands-on projects.
- "Rock Hounds" Lab: Collect rocks from permitted locations and use streak plates and hardness tests to identify minerals.
- USGS TopoView Analysis: Use topographic maps to identify the steep slopes of drumlins and the depressions of kettle holes. Have students draw cross-sections of the Plymouth terrain.
- Edible Sediment: Use crushed cookies and gummy bears to simulate sedimentary rock formation (compaction and cementation) or glacial till vs. outwash (sorted vs. unsorted candy).
- Sea Level Rise: Use the NOAA Sea Level Rise Viewer to visualize how Plymouth Long Beach and the waterfront will look with 1ft, 3ft, or 6ft of water rise.
- Groundwater Protection: Investigate the Plymouth-Carver Sole Source Aquifer. Why makes this sandy geology excellent for holding water but vulnerable to contamination?
Our region is rich with organizations who have expertise in local geology and ecology. Below is a handful of organizations to consult when planning activities.
- Manomet: They offer environmental education programs that often touch upon the natural sciences, including aspects of local ecosystems which are shaped by geology.
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) Seafloor Sample Lab: Archived rock and core samples available to teachers on loan. Request is needed.
- Wildlands Trust: Manages many conservation lands in the Southeastern MA, some of which feature significant geological formations. They might offer guided walks or educational programs.
- Plimoth Patuxet Museums: While focused on history, their living history exhibits often touch upon how the land was used by both Indigenous peoples and English colonists, providing a context for understanding the natural environment.
- Massachusetts Geological Survey (MGS): The MGS (part of UMass Amherst) is a great resource for geological maps, data, and educational materials specific to Massachusetts.They also list field trip guidebooks.
- Cape Cod Museum of Natural History: While located a bit further away in Brewster, this museum often has exhibits and programs related to the geology of the Cape Cod region, which is heavily influenced by glacial history. They may offer educational programs or resources for school groups.
- Local Universities/Colleges: Geology departments at nearby universities might have outreach programs or be willing to host a group for a lab visit or lecture.