This interactive map of the United States displays the locations of fossil fuel resources categorized as coal fields, tight oil and shale gas plays, and sedimentary basins.
Teaching Tips
Positives
The map is simple and easy to navigate.
Students can zoom in to see their state or region and identify the available fossil fuel resources.
Additional Prerequisites
The three fossil resource categories can be viewed together or individually.
Other layers can be added to the map by clicking the "toggle layer list" button on the right side of the map.
Differentiation
Students could add the coal mines layer or the oil and gas wells and platforms layer to the map to see how the locations of the mines and wells correspond with the resource locations.
Cross-curricular connections could be made with social studies and civics by having students research policies or laws related to the use of fossil fuel resources in the United States or a specific region.
Teachers could also connect this with an economics class by having students research how these fossil fuel resources impact the economy of the Unites States or a specific region.
If looking for a more comprehensive resource, this map also by the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows all energy infrastructure and resources in the United States.
This interactive map shows where active oil and gas wells are in the United States. It also displays active coal fields, as well as where shale gas can be found underground. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Standards
Science and Engineering
ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
HS-ESS3-2 Evaluate competing design solutions for developing, managing, and utilizing energy and mineral resources based on cost-benefit ratios.
Social Studies
Geography
Geography 1 (F1): Students understand the geography of the community, Maine, the United States, and various regions of the world, and geographic influences on life in the past, present, and future by using the geographic grid and a variety of types of maps, including digital sources, to locate and access relevant geographic information that reflects multiple perspectives.
Geography 1 (D3): Students understand the geography of the United States and various regions of the world and the effect of geographic influences on decisions about the present and future by describing the major regions of the Earth and their major physical, environmental, and cultural features using a variety of geographic tools, including digital tools and resources.
