Desert Geology

Welcome to the Desert Geology Museum in a Box where we learn about environmental science and how to identify and understand the types of rocks and minerals found in Nevada and how they are used.

The box includes information that will focus on Nevada’s geology, including geologic processes occurring over millions of years; and over 170 years of Nevada’s mining history. Students will learn about the creation of desert rock formations such as arches, and how climate change can be seen through geologic processes.

Each lesson in this handbook has a corresponding activity. The activities in this box will engage students with ideas such as why landforms exist in certain areas, and how geology has affected human history. While exploring the box, students will be able to:

• Observe rock and mineral specimens, fossils, and everyday objects made from minerals
• Learn about fast and slow change (i.e. arch formation vs. lightning strikes)
• Explore how erosion is affected by human activity.