A study of schools was conducted to determine needs of earth science programs, and what, if any, services could effectively be provided by an earth science resource center. Contacts were made with approximately one-half the schools in the Minot State College service region. Discussions were held with administrators and teachers, and facilities at each school were evaluated. A resource center offered experimental programs to determine types of services earth science teachers really use. As each program was offered, notation was made of the types of schools and teachers using it, and of the impact on earth science classes. Results indicate: earth science programs lack equipment, however, rich resources are available from other science programs; funds for earth science resources seem to be available; teachers generally lack training in earth science, but have substantial background in other sciences; there is a strong demand for in-service offerings in earth science, and also for regular seminars and lecture series on earth science designed for teachers; workshops are popular, but appear to have little impact; teachers having regular contact with the resource center will take advantage of opportunities to borrow equipment; and serious interest in trading specimens appears to be lacking. (Author/PR)