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.
Resource: Lessons
Where’s That Mine of Mine?
Through discussion and an assignment requiring research and analytical thinking, students will gain an understanding of modern mining, society’s reliance on the industry, and some of the challenges faced by modern mining professionals. Students will also be exposed to examples of the many professional disciplines on which the industry relies.
The assignment in this lesson challenges students to consider factors affecting where new mines might be developed.
Download Unit Components:
I. Overview
II. Intro Activity
III. Main Activity
The Rock Cycle
The Geological Society of London’s Online interactive resource The Rock Cycle, with the Rock Cycle Animation, shows how surface and deep Earth processes produce the rocks we stand on and use to build our homes. Also find a glossary, demonstrations/experiments and extensive background information about the rock cycle.
Dig Into Mining: The Story of Copper Activities
Uncover the use of metals such as copper, gold and molybdenum in everyday life and gain a deeper understanding of today’s hard rock mining industry. Discovery Education and Freeport-McMoRan have created an interactive program for grades 6-8 and 9-12 that equips educators, students and families with dynamic resources – including a virtual field trip, interactive digital learning tools, school-to-home connections, exploration activities and STEM resources.
Television Minerals Mini-Lesson
Discover many of the minerals used to make televisions and countries that are major sources for mining those minerals. Calculate the percent to which the U.S. is self-sufficient in minerals used to make televisions.
Soccer Minerals Mini-Lesson
Discover many of the minerals used to make soccer equipment and countries that are major sources for mining those minerals. Calculate the percent to which the U.S. is self-sufficient in minerals used to make cell phones.
Cell Phone Minerals Mini-Lesson
Discover many of the minerals used to make cell phones and countries that are major sources for mining those minerals. Calculate the percent to which the U.S. is self-sufficient in minerals used to make cell phones.
Bicycle Minerals Mini-Lesson
Discover many of the minerals used to make bicycles and countries that are major sources for mining those minerals. Calculate the percent to which the U.S. is self-sufficient in minerals used to make bicycles.
The Earth – Nature’s Storehouse Activity
Learn about minerals resources and how they are used.
Geology Natural Resources Activity
Describes geology and natural resource development and gives activity ideas.
