Topic: Reclamation/Environment

MineralsEd Activity Books

These great activity books from MineralsEd have coloring pages, games and puzzles, and information about mining and minerals!

I am a Mining Engineer
This book of the MineralsEd Career Series addresses the operating phase of the Mine Development Cycle. Following the discovery of an ore deposit, our mining engineers are hired to figure out if the deposit can be mined safely and economically. Once the feasibility is established, the mining engineers design the mine site and oversee the construction. When construction is complete, their job is to monitor the operation and ensure everything is running smoothly.  EN FR

I am an Exploration Geologist
This book of the MineralsEd Career Series addresses the mineral exploration phase of the Mine Development Cycle. Follow three exploration geologists as they head into the field to gather geological data in hopes of finding a valuable mineral deposit, and learn what an average day exploring in the field is like. EN SP FR Answer Key

I am an Environmental Scientist
This book of the MineralsEd Career Series addresses the environmental assessment phase of the Mine Development Cycle, and the ongoing work of environmental scientists throughout operation and after closure. Following the discovery of a mineral deposit, our environmental scientists head to the proposed mine site to assess the environment and plan ways to minimize the impacts of mining. While the mine is operating, they monitor the effects of mining on the environment. After the mine closes, the environmental scientists work to return the land to its previous condition.

Minerals in Your Home – Intermediate
We use things made from Earth’s mineral resources every day. Take a close look inside each room at home and discover all the products that come from mining, how essential mineral resources are to our everyday lives, and what you can do to conserve these non-renewable resources and minimize your environmental impact. Intermediate version best suited for Grade 4-7 reading levels. EN FR Answer Key

Minerals in Your Home – Primary
We use things made from Earth’s mineral resources every day. Take a close look inside each room at home and discover all the products that come from mining, how essential mineral resources are to our everyday lives, and what you can do to conserve these non-renewable resources and minimize your environmental impact. Primary version best suited for K-Grade 3 reading levels. EN FR Answer Key

Mineral Mania
A creative, rock-themed story written and illustrated by Grade 5 students at Sacred Heart School in Delta, BC. EN

Also see the Virtual Library, Digital Resources, and Mining 101.

Understanding Coal

Hands-on, critical thinking activities introduce intermediate students to the formation of coal, the coal mining process, reclamation of lands, uses of coal, electricity generation, and advantages and disadvantages of utilizing coal. 112 pages.  Find related curricula at www.need.org.

This Mine Of Mine

Middle school students explore the formation, geology, recovery, and uses of coal, as well as the reclamation of coal mine sites. Using sand, clay, soil and rocks, students build a miniature plot of land containing coal deposits. Students then learn about surface mining, and practice the method on a plot of land. After the coal is mined, students reclaim the plot of land and discuss how the coal is transported and used. 10 pages.  Find related curricula at www.need.org.  Originally from Project Stone. 

All About Coal

Introduce primary and elementary students to the formation of coal, the coal mining process, reclamation of lands, and the uses of coal. Hands-on, multi-disciplinary activities. Free download.  59 pages.  Find related curricula at www.need.org.

Reclaiming a Mine Site

Build a model reclaimed landscape in a plastic tub and observe and compare the growth of vegetation on one of eight model landscapes to learn that specific conditions are needed to re-vegetate reclaimed mine sites. This MEC page from the 2016 AGI Earth Science Week Calendar was created with permission from Caterpillar. To view the Caterpillar Ground Rules video and access the accompanying 75-activity guide go here.

Mining Fact Sheet

This Mining Fact Sheet summarizes major mining and mineral processing tools and techniques and highlights critical metals.

Mineral Resources Fact Sheet

This Mineral Resources Fact Sheet discusses some of today’s important mineral and mining topics such as minerals in your diet, industrial and construction minerals, minerals in green technology, artisanal mining and conflicts and efforts to address these.

Industrial Minerals Poster

Industrial Minerals are non-metallic, non-fuel minerals that are used in everything from cosmetics to pharmaceuticals. The front of the poster depicts 12 common industrial minerals and some of the important ways in which they are used. The back of the poster contains a map of industrial mineral producing areas of the United States, mine examples and three simple hands-on activities for testing mineral properties in the classroom. 36” x 24” 2-sided poster created in collaboration with the Industrial Minerals Association of North America.

Saskatchewan Mining Association Resources For Teachers Grades 9-12

Conduct activities about potash, uranium, coal, gold and modern mining techniques. Activities are from Saskatchewan Mining Association.

Grades 9-12

Potash, uranium and coal activities by resource:

Potash mining and new pilot mineral exploration activities.
Potash and Uranium Mining and Mill Tours.