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.

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

A. Teacher Instruction

B. Student Assignment

IV. Supporting Resources

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.