Grade: 3-5

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.

Out of the Rock Teacher’s Guide Binder

This teachers’ guide binder contains 15 ready-to-use, hands-on, integrated learning activities on rocks, minerals, mining, geology, the environment and economics. Grades K-8.44 pp.; 3-ring binder;  8” x 10 1/2”; color contents.

Educational Standards: Next Generation Science Standards PS1, LS1, ESS3, and ETS1; and Common Core State Standards for language and math.

Education GeoSource

The Education GeoSource database has thousands of free resources, from lessons to outreach and teacher professional development, for use in classrooms, scout programs, or at home.

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.

Rio Tinto Kennecott Utah Copper Virtual Tour

Take a virtual tour behind-the-scenes of Rio Tinto’s Kennecott Bingham Canyon Mine in Utah. The mine is the largest excavation on Earth and over its history has produced more copper than any other mine. The Kennecott Bingham Canyon Mine also produces gold, silver and molybdenum. Visit the mine, concentrator, smelter, refinery and other facilities through captioned narration, 360° images, and videos.

Learn about environment and sustainability efforts that include the “cleanest smelter in the world,” reusing 80% of their water, and creating the 3000 acre shorebird preserve, LEED buildings and a sustainable community. Content is aimed at grades 6-12, though all ages will enjoy the Virtual Tour.

Note: The tour requires sign-in with name and email.  The virtual tour works best with the latest version of modern browsers Firefox, Explorer and Chrome.