The Earth Science Collection was created as a result of the pioneering efforts of naturalist, Otto W. Geist. Geist collected thousands of paleontological specimens on multiple expeditions throughout Alaska from the 1920's to the 1950's. Since then, the collection has grown significantly through acquisitions resulting from research projects and donations. Currently, the Earth Science collection oversees approximately 65,000 specimens, subdivided into Paleontology and Geology collections.

The Paleontology Collection houses both vertebrate and invertebrate specimens ranging from Cambrian archaeocyathids to Ice Age Mammoths. Significantly, it includes the largest collection of polar dinosaurs in the world (primarily from the North Slope of Alaska) and a diverse assortment of Pleistocene mammals.  The collection also contains a variety of paleobotanical specimens and a large collection of invertebrates (both micro- and macrofossils).

The Geology Collection includes minerals and gems from Alaska and around the world. It houses placer gold fines and nuggets, including spectacular native gold specimens on display as part of the C. J. Berry Gold Exhibit - the largest gold nugget exhibit in the state. The collection has a variety of examples of  metamorphic, igneous, and sedimentary rocks documenting the fascinating geologic history of Alaska. The Geology Collection also has out-of-this-world specimens, such as meteorites and tektites, collected within Alaska and elsewhere.