I have compiled a rather extensive list of science resources, generally appropriate for middle- and high-school teachers and their students. Especially for teachers in rural and high-poverty areas, geology may be a very abstract topic when presented through the context of the Grand Canyon or other areas away from the home locale. We can incorporate a more location-focused means of bringing the same concepts in to the classroom. We call this place-based science (see references below). To my way of thinking, place-based science is a perfect context for Problem Based Learning.
This week, I am going to share some geology resources specific to Tucson, but also encompassing the state of Arizona.
As you look at geologic maps of Arizona, note the general direction of our mountain ranges. Do you see them lined up from northwest to southeast? Why might that be so?
Geology of the Tucson Mountains PDF from the National Park Service
The Geologic Origin of the Sonoran Desert from the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum
Tucson Mountains Geology – Complex and Controversial
Surficial Geologic Maps of the Tucson Metropolitan Area from AzGS
Tucson Mountain Geology from Cochise College
Videos coming soon
Seismic Hazards in SE Arizona
Geologic History of Saguaro National Park
Arizona is part of the Basin and Range Province.
Basin and Range Formation (video)
Basin and Range Structures (video)
Basin and Range Deformation and Sedimentation (video)
Basin and Range: Structural Evolution
Place-based science references
Introduction to place-based science teaching
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