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Geoheritage Workshop

Map of the cotiguous United States with green point indicating locations of one or more geoheritage sites in each state.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has identified 55 significant geologic sites in the U.S that demonstrate geoheritage values. The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) has partnered with the USGS to develop educational resources and a feedback session for educator input.

What is Geoheritage?

Think about a place that holds meaning for you. Why is this place important to you? When did you first go there? Is it a place that attracts a lot of people? What about it makes you (and others) want to keep going back?

Geoheritage refers to geological features and sites that hold significant value (Geoheritage Values Summary) and not only help us understand Earth’s history, but also offer a window into human history. In Virginia, diverse geological formations across the state have impacted human settlements in many ways that align with geoheritage values.

A map of Virigina with each of its physiographic provinces in a different color and labeled (from west to east, they are: Appalachian Plateau, Valley and Ridge, Blue Ridge, Piedmont, which contains some Mesozoic Basin, and coastal plains).
For example, the Blue Ridge Mountains, rich with mineral resources in some of the oldest rocks in the U.S., have significantly impacted the people who live in and around them. Geographically, the mountains acted as a natural barrier, isolating communities and shaping the development of Appalachian culture with its own distinct traditions, folklore, and music. The region’s abundant forests and natural beauty has also made it a major part of Virginia’s tourism industry, attracting visitors for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and sightseeing. Furthermore, the mountains continue to influence environmental conservation efforts, highlighting the region’s importance in preserving natural resources for future generations.

 

Workshop Overview

Registration will remain open until July 31, 2025.

 

Join AGI and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) for a FREE virtual workshop on Wednesday, Augsut 6, 2025 from 2:00-3:30 PM ET. You will be introduced to free online resources from the USGS and AGI that will help you bring geoheritage into your classrooms. The goal is for participants to provide feedback on the development of educational resources and then to use the resources with their students to provide further feedback on their implementation.

This event is designed for educators from all subject areas who teach grade 3 to grade 8, as well as curriculum developers and instructional coaches who are eager to explore new, standards-aligned educational resources to teach about geologically diverse sites around the U.S. by connecting with values that relate to a number of subject areas, including science, history, and art. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of geoheritage, we encourage teams of teachers from different subject areas to apply.

Additionally, educators who pilot geoheritage resources with their students in Fall 2025 can earn a $200 stipend for providing feedback on their implementaion. After the workshop, there will be further opportunities to connect with AGI about geoheritage and the creation of educational resources that help educators connect real-world sites to classroom content and state standards.

 

Workshop Highlights

The workshop will feature:

 

If you have any questions, please email us at: outreach@americangeosciences.org.

 

 

Additional Resources on Geoheritage

 

Program Sponsor

USGS logo, green.

This workshop is part of the USGS Geoheritage Sites of the Nation, a program aiming to highlight the scientific, educational, cultural, economic, and aesthetic values of significant geologic features.