"The study of science is a virtue. Attention to geology is a human duty."
— Alexander Winchell, American geologist
Scientists estimate that the planet Earth is 4.55 billion years old. During that time, the mountains were formed, the oceans were made, and plants and animal sprang into life, nourished by its soil. It is mind-boggling to consider how long it took and what geological forces were in place to create those mountains and oceans, and even to form the rocks under your feet. Studying geology enables you to look at those rocks in a new light and develop a deep appreciation of the world around you,.
1) Start with an overview for your topic. For example, you can start with an encyclopedia such as Credo Reference or Gale Virtual Reference Library (see list of BPL resources below) to get a basic idea of what your topic is all about.
2) Once you have a general idea of what your topic is about, you can narrow your topic down by subcategory, such as "Geology" or "Geography" under "Earth Science."
3) Search for more information on your topic, using journal article databases, government websites, organization websites, etc. A good place to start is the Science in Context database which includes reference resources, experiments, statistics, magazine and academic journal articles, news articles, maps, multimedia,and external websites.
Different types of information that you can look for include:
For more information on conducting research on a topic, see http://msass.case.edu/harrislibrary/libstudents/steps/ from Case Western Reserve University.
These links provide access to government and other reports, statistics, and current developments for high school and college students as well as anyone interested in geology and other earth sciences.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
Provides access to earth science information about health hazards, natural resources, and the environment, with news, maps, image databases, and more.
Earthquake Hazards Program from the USGS
Earthquake facts and statistics from the USGS
U.S. Department of Energy
Science.gov
Includes research and development, technical reports, journal citations, databases, federal websites, and fact sheets.
NASA Earth Observatory
Provides images, stories, and discoveries about climate and the environment that come from NASA research.
Massachusetts Office of Geographic Information (MassGIS)
Massachusetts Geological Survey (MGS)
Features maps and data from the MGS.
Minerals in Massachusetts
Mineral resources in Massachusetts from the MGS
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Geology.com
National Science Foundation
Provides access to research, discoveries, and news in the earth sciences.
The Boston Public Library provides access to indexes and full-text articles through the Electronic Resources page (http://www.bpl.org/electronic/alpha.asp. Many of these resources are available off-site to residents of Massachusetts. Suggested databases are listed below:
Science in Context is an in-depth, curriculum-oriented science database that provides a one-stop resource for all science-related research needs. This resource reflects curriculum trends and focuses on key concepts taught in school classrooms.
Credo Reference is a giant online reference library that provides access to as many as 162 reference books, including encyclopedias, dictionaries, thesauri, books of quotations, as well as a range of subject-specific titles all cross-referenced throughout the collection. Special features include a crossword solver and conversion calculators.
From arts and the humanities to social sciences, science and technology, this database meets research needs across all academic disciplines. Access scholarly journals, magazines, and newspapers with full text and images.
Coverage: 1980-present
Includes more than 90 encyclopedias, plus numerous specialized reference sources covering a diversity of subjects including Arts, Biography, Business, Education, Environment, History, Law, Literature, Medicine, Multicultural Studies, Nation & World, Religion, Science, and Social Science. Some "Junior" sources included as well.
Access to more than 3,100 full-text periodicals, 89 newswire services, and five major American newspaper indexes covering a diverse set of topics.
National Geographic Virtual Library brings the National Geographic Society to the library in a cross-searchable platform that fits the way today's students and patrons conduct their research. With standard library features and functionality common to many Gale resources, National Geographic Virtual Library is a powerful tool for research through the 100+ years of quality publications.
Combining the full archive of Smithsonian Magazine and Air & Space Magazine, this product presents unique and comprehensive insight into history, science, nature, the arts, innovation, technology, and world culture. Available in a fully searchable digital archive, these publications bring depth and expert coverage of high-demand topics.
The catalog for the Boston Public Library is available at http://bpl.bibliocommons.com/.
Suggested subject headings:
For assistance with searching and locating items held by the Boston Public Library and other libraries in the Metro Boston Library Network, see http://help.bibliocommons.com/.
With Hoopla, you can borrow free digital video, music, eBooks, and audiobooks. Gain access to thousands of titles available for instant streaming or temporary download, and watch/read/listen on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. A Boston Public Library card and pin are required.
Choose from hundreds of digital titles available to download to your devices.
Note: Additional software may be required to borrow OverDrive titles. Please visit OverDrive Help to learn the basics and get any software that you may need.