Junior Explorer Geology and Fossils Activity Book (None, First)

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is a federal government agency that takes care of more than 245 million acres of land. Most of these lands are in the western part of the United States. These lands are America's public lands, and they belong to all Americans. These public lands are almost equal in area to all the land in the states of Texas and California put together.
The BLM manages public lands for many uses. The lands supply natural resources, such as coal, oil, natural gas, and other minerals. The lands provide habitats for plants and animals. People enjoy the big open spaces on the lands. The lands also contain evidence of our country's past, ranging from fossils to Indian artifacts to ghost towns.
BLM's Junior Explorer program helps introduce young explorers to the lands and resources that the BLM manages. This "Geology and Fossils Activity Book" focuses on nonrenewable natural resources. These are Earth features that formed over long periods of time and that cannot be replaced as humans remove and make use of them.
Children can work through the activities on their own or invite a parent or an adult to join in the activities. When the activities are completed, check them against the Answer Key in the back of the booklet. Children can say the Junior Explorer pledge on page 21, sign the certificate and be on their way to exploring and protecting America's lands.
A glossary of terms and resources for more information are provided. Recommended for children, ages 8 through 12.