After studying Earth materials (in the Earth Materials Unit) and water, the students will participate in a culminating activity that integrates the knowledge of both units. Students will learn about the different types of mining and their effects on the environment. This will lead into an ethical discussion of mining and its effect on water and the environment.
This activity asks students to integrate what they learned in the Earth Material and Water units in a final hands-on mining activity. This will connect with a year-long study of Colorado history of which mining is a small part.
Students will need some background knowledge about rocks and minerals as well as water's effects on the Earth.
3 - 5
This is a 2-day activity. The first day takes 1 to 1½ hours and addresses the different types of mining and their pros and cons and effects on the environment. The second day takes 45 to 60 minutes and gives students a chance to do some panning.
Physical science, science in personal/social perspectives, Earth and space science
You will need to gather information about the different types of mining (panning, acid, sluch box, and drilling). You should also find out what mining minerals are plentiful in your state, in each area of the USA, and throughout the world, as well as where they are mined. It would be good to know which type of mining is best for each mineral.
Tie the dowel with the magnet and the hand lens together with a string so the students can wear them around their necks while mining.
One to two hours gathering/ordering materials, books, and videos, and preparing the mining area
One sheet for each student for the birdseed sorting.
Day 1
You can teach the different types of mining in several ways:
Day 2
Do the Birdseed Mining activity - http://www.womeninmining.org/birdse1.htm
At the end of day 2, discuss the different types of mining. Was the birdseed sorting or the panning more difficult? Why would people choose to make their money by mining? Ask the kids how much money they made from the birdseed sorting. How is this like panning for “gold”? What are the similarities and differences between the seed sorting and panning?
Have students discuss how difficult mining is. Talk about and share different techniques for mining for the bees. You can also discuss the other types of mining and how they would be easier.
Water demands: What are the competing water demands? Who uses water? Who needs it more? What is the supply and demand for water in nature? What are the sources of water?
Water conservation: Discuss and brainstorm ways to conserve and protect water sources. This may tie in with the visit to the water treatment plant.
History of water in Colorado: Focus on miners, water rights, selling water, who uses the water, and what percentages they use and need, etc.
The Colorado History Museum has an excellent mining exhibit as well as other Colorado historical exhibits.
Hydroelectric power is another important extension topic.
You may need to modify the information presented on the first day; the second day's activity is great for all students.
