Educational Resources

The MGS is committed to public education and outreach regarding Minnesota's geology, hydrogeology, and geologic resources.

We not only provide an assortment of educational publications, but MGS staff are also available for educational presentations and field trips. Inquiries regarding the variety of educational services offered by the MGS can be made in person, by phone, or by mail.

Minnesota's Geology Online

Educators and students can access a variety of Minnesota's geologic data using Esri's ArcGIS Online services:

Accessing Minnesota's Geological Data using ArcGIS Online

Geologic Egg Carton

An egg carton full of common Minnesota rock types for use in classrooms. Educators can call or visit to request an egg carton, complete with rock names, descriptions, and places of origin. Educators can also take advantage of our virtual egg carton in various formats, provided in the links below.

• The Virtual Egg Carton (Online Google Slides version)
• The Virtual Egg Carton (Download Microsoft PowerPoint version)
• The Virtual Egg Carton (Download PDF version)

Minnesota At-A-Glance

Summarized pamphlets of various Minnesota geologic topics geared towards educators and students. Educators can also contact or visit us for hard copies.

• Water in Minnesota
• Quaternary Glacial Geology (Also available in Spanish)
  • Companion worksheet: Student Worksheet: Crossword Puzzle and Coloring Activity (PDF)
• Fossil Collecting in the Twin Cities area (Also available in Spanish)
• Caves in Minnesota
• Precambrian Geology
• Earthquakes in Minnesota
• Geologic Time
• Ancient tropical seas - Paleozoic history of Southeastern Minnesota
• Common Minnesota Rocks (Also available in Spanish)
• Mapping Subsurface Sedimentary Rocks

Minnesota Geology for Teachers

A book written to provide geologic information of Minnesota to Earth Science educators.

The Geology of Minnesota, A Guide for Teachers (PDF)

Printable Educational Images

Generalized geologic maps and figures of Minnesota provided in a convenient size (8 x 10") for easier printing and educational use.

View our Printable Educational Images

3D Maps and Glasses

A collection of 3D maps and glasses of the Midwest and Southwest areas of the United States of America. These are only available as hard copies. Please contact or visit us to obtain copies.

Contributions By Others

• In Your Backyard (Web App) - An educational ArcGIS Online web app created by Grace Walker as a student in Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College's Geographic Information Systems certificate program. A general description is provided on the ArcGIS Online content page, as well as a feedback submission link.

Additional External Resources

• What's In My Neighborhood - An online application provided by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to access environmental information about your community.
• Minnesota State Archaeologist - The primary public contact in Minnesota for archaeological-related questions.
• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) Geology Education - Additional educational resources regarding Minnesota rocks and fossils provided by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
• Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Drinking Water Protection - Resources and information regarding public water supplies in Minnesota provided by the Minnesota Department of Health.
• Minnesota Association for Environmental Education (MAEE) Geology Resources - Geology educational resources provided by the Minnesota Association for Environmental Education
• Minnesota Ground Water Association - A non-profit, volunteer organization which promotes public policy and scientific education about ground water.
• Science Museum of Minnesota
• Bell Museum
• Karst Outreach and Education - Provided by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)
• Geotechnical Engineering section of the Minnesota Department of Transportation