The following resources for Teachers, Parents, and other Educators from the Pinal Geology and Mineral Museum are free to educators
Field Trips
Introduction to Earth History and Minerals
This is our basic field trip and includes an information hunt in our fossil/geology room, an introduction to minerals & mineral identification activity
Optional: our small gift shop can be open or closed for your students, we always have items priced as low as $1
Need something else? Let us know and we’ll cover topics you want to emphasize such as Volcanos, Paleontology, Dinosaurs, Mineral formation, Mineral geometry, or Plate Tectonics. We’re happy to work to meet your needs. [we are unable to assist with transportation, we have no food or vending machines]
Classroom Visits
Currently offered on a very limited basis. Topics are the same as for field trips. We’re happy to work with you to fit your specific needs. Virtual visits are also possible.
Teacher Boxes
We can provide you with a box including specimens and materials to help in your teaching geology. These include specimens, some equipment, and a field guide. The boxes are in limited supply, we request 1 per teacher, and each teacher needs to make arrangements to pick them up. Please contact us for more information and/or make arrangements for them. They will be yours to keep and are free of charge.
Self-Guided Field Trip Worksheets
Send your students to us for a special project or extra credit. We’ll work with you to provide a questionnaire using our displays that students can bring in and do on their own. Entrance to the museum is always free, so this should not be a burden to their family.
EXAMPLE field trip worksheet (feel free to print a copy and bring it with you to try it out)
Online Resources
We have a regularly growing amount of information available online, including word searches, puzzles, coloring sheets, videos, and other information freely available for you to use. If you have a specific need, please let us know – maybe it’s already in the works. A place to start is the Kid Zone with activities, coloring sheets, and more.
Lesson Plans and Materials
Our lesson plan packets include reading materials, suggested questions, and vocabulary lists. We’re working on more. If you don’t see it, ask! NOTE: Grade level is where we think it fits the Arizona science standards. Your results may vary.
Exploring the Properties of Matter (1st grade)
Biosphere (4th grade)
Hydrosphere (4th grade)
About the Sun (3rd grade)
Scientific Method and Geology (geared for 3rd grade, but could be used as an intro to the scientific method for any grade)
Earth’s Relationship with the Sun (6th grade)
Math and Geology (5th grade)
Exploring Rocks and Minerals (1st grade)
Atmosphere (4th grade)
Gravity and the Sun, Moon, and Earth system (5th grade)
How the Sun Warms the Earth (6th grade)
Mysteries of the Constellations (6th grade)
Math and Geology (3rd grade)
Building a Simple Balance Scale (using two rulers)
Geosphere (4th grade)
Eclipses, Moon Phases, and Tides (6th grade)
Scale and Properties of the Planets (6th grade)
Math and Geology (4th grade)
Don’t see what you need? Ask us. We’re always looking for new ways to present the science of geology, the history of life on Earth, and the fun of rocks and minerals. Tell us what your needs are, and we may very well be able to help.
351 N Arizona Blvd, Coolidge, AZ 85128 – pinalgeologymuseum.org