ISM Geology Online is a collections-based Web module for Illinois K-12 teachers to use in their classrooms and for professional development. The goals of ISM Geology Online are twofold: to provide high quality, standards-based lesson plans and resources that feature rocks, minerals, and related artifacts from the ISM’s collections; and to provide distance learning activities that will help teachers effectively use these resources.

ISM Geology Online is organized into three main areas:

Distance Learning—professional development opportunities for Illinois K-12 teachers with short, self-paced, online courses in geology, anthropology, technology, and classroom practices. Courses are designed to help teachers use the K-12 lesson plans in their classroom. The ISM is an Illinois State Board of Education certified provider of staff development for K-12 teachers.

GeoGallery—a user-friendly database with over 100 professional-quality photographs of rocks, minerals, and related artifacts from the Illinois State Museum’s geology and anthropology collections;

Teaching Tools—over thirty K-12 lesson plans on topics related to the GeoGallery images. Lesson plans are inquiry-based and correlated with the Illinois Learning Standards. There is information about videoconferencing opportunities,field trips, and links to related Web sites,.

ISM Geology Online was tested by K-12 teachers from across the state. The project was funded by the Illinois State Board of Education’s Museum Online Resources initiative.

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