Recently, I came across  Shape it Up, which is my favorite geology interactive so far.   Players try to make one landscape look like another by choosing a force of nature (volcano, wind, water, glacier) and choosing a time period.

This is a wonderful game for young kids.  There are several components that I think can be added or modified in order to make the game more sophisticated for middle school kids. 1) I’d like to see a more rule-based structure around it in order to make it more game-like.

2) Choose geological features that are the result of multiple natural forces and allow students to experiment with those forces.

3) Let students fail and see the results of their failed states.

4) Add elements where students are using forces to create smaller items such as various rocks and minerals in addition the the buttes, islands, and rivers.

Of course, it speaks to the original idea that it can be scaled up or down quite dramatically depending on the students’ age.  Nice work!

1) Wild, Wild Climate

It isn’t quite geology but it does what I do love about it is its page on “Junk Science Detection” and a great explanation about the role of peer review. There is a real intellectual crisis when it comes to evaluating data, especially scientific data and having it laid out in such a straightforward manner is welcome and necessary.  Too often, we take political opinion as fact.

(from http://wildwildclimate.com)

2) The Interactive RockCycle

I’ve never formally studied geology (along with meteorology it is the only science I’ve really neglected) so I loved how crisp, clear, straightforward and well illustrated this particular interactive was.  It is a very elegant piece.

3) Annenberg Media

Now found at learner.org, these are free, on demand, and impeccably produced videos.  I cannot believe how readily accessible these gems are.  I’m using them to get a crash course in geology.

4) School Yard Geology

This project was apparently inspired by a scientist who taught inmates in a California prison field geology.  There are several great ideas for activities, especially for younger grades.

You can see that my approach is to examine a smattering of media.  I need video game ideas, but so far I’ve gotten a lot out of movies, interactives, lesson plans, and presentations.  Merging ideas from all of these helps me eventually hone in on a game idea.  If you have any other geology resources, of know of anything that could make a great geology game, send me a tweet @mchmiel