New Hampshire's Geologic Mystery Quest

6th Grade Project 6 weeks

New Hampshire's Geologic Mystery Quest

Kelly M

Jan 20, 2026

Updated Jan 21, 2026

MS-ESS2-2

MS-ESS3-1

MS-ESS3-2

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving

+ 5 more

1-pager

Purpose

Students will embark on a journey to understand how Earth's internal forces, like plate movement, shape the land around them, specifically focusing on New Hampshire's geological features. Through an engaging project, they will delve into the history and potential of earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the rock cycle to assess their impact on the local environment. By constructing informational projects and exhibits, students will gain critical insights into Earth's dynamic systems, empowering them to share this knowledge with their community.

Learning goals

Students will learn how plate tectonics, volcanic activity, and geoscience processes shape the Earth's surface, particularly focusing on historical and potential impacts in New Hampshire. Through co-designed projects, they will develop skills in critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and self-directed learning by analyzing local geological evidence and interpreting data on natural hazards. Students will create informative presentations that articulate their understanding and construct scientific explanations based on evidence, fostering continued engagement with real-world scientific inquiry and community relevance.

Standards

[Next Generation Science Standards] MS-ESS2-2 - Construct an explanation based on evidence for how geoscience processes have changed Earth's surface at varying time and spatial scales.
[Next Generation Science Standards] MS-ESS2-2 - Construct an explanation based on evidence for how geoscience processes have changed Earth's surface at varying time and spatial scales.
[Next Generation Science Standards] MS-ESS3-1 - Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how the uneven distributions of Earth's mineral, energy, and groundwater resources are the result of past and current geoscience processes.
[Next Generation Science Standards] MS-ESS3-2 - Analyze and interpret data on natural hazards to forecast future catastrophic events and inform the development of technologies to mitigate their effects.

Competencies

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.
Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.

Products

By the end of the unit, students will collaboratively produce a multimedia informational project about New Hampshire's geological features. This project will integrate student-built models, such as scaled representations of rock formations or simulations of tectonic plate movements. Students will present their findings in an exhibition, highlighting the potential and historical impacts of geological forces in New Hampshire. Throughout the unit, students will create weekly reflections in a digital portfolio, detailing their learning journey and insights gained from investigations.

Launch

Begin with a simulated earthquake experience inspired by the Milford earthquake, complete with a soundscape and visual projections to recreate and feel the event's impact. In small groups, students will brainstorm initial questions and predictions about the geological processes involved in earthquakes and their potential occurrence in New Hampshire. This sensory introduction will ignite curiosity while setting the stage for exploration and discovery around Earth's hidden forces and their relevance to local environments.

Exhibition

To culminate the project, students will host a "Geologic Showcase," inviting peers and community members to explore interactive exhibits. Each exhibit will feature student-designed models and presentations on geological processes like earthquakes and volcanic formations, focusing on their impact on the New Hampshire area. Participants can engage with multimedia displays and engage in discussions, fostering a deeper understanding of Earth’s hidden forces.

Plan

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Question

Students will observe and analyze geological features and phenomena in New Hampshire, formulating open-ended questions about how Earth's internal forces and plate movements might have influenced or could influence the state.

Days 1 - 5