Gold Mine

Students explore minerals and examine environmental impact of mining through simulation.

In this minerals instructional activity, students read an excerpt about gold and then respond to the questions that follow. They explain how the weight of gold affected the history of some western states and why gold is expensive.

Sixth graders differentiate between raw materials that are cultivated and those that are mined. They collaborate with their eighth grade peers to learn more about the mining complexities at the end of their mineral identification unit.

It turns out asteroids could be a gold mine—literally! An It's Ok To Be Smart video lesson describes the untapped resources orbiting our solar system. The presenter considers the possibilities of space colonies using these resources as...

Students investigate gold. In this gold panning lesson, students demonstrate the process of mining through an experiment using two boxes of sand. Students design a safe way to mine gold.

Students participate in a varity of activities surrounding "gold." They explore the science, myths, and legends about gold and conduct a debate over the environmental problems created by gold mining in a small small mining town.

Students explore the meaning of mining. In this Science/Math lesson, students engage in a small group activity to sort and calculate the value of seeds/beads.  Additionally, they are made aware of environmental damages which will effect...

Students research and map how various mining ventures have changed local geographies and populations. First they read the article provided--Examining the Environmental and Social Impact of the Mining Industry.

Learners search through the seed mixture and separate out our "mine" beads, sunflower seeds, and other grain products, making piles of each. students count up the number of gold, silver, and blue beads, and sunflower seeds from their piles

Your class will love this geology-inspired set of activities that demonstrate the processes through which we are able to use mineral resources. They describe the major steps that a company must follow from initial discovery of a mineral...