Mining in a Nuthsell Lesson Plan

Objective

This activity will demonstrate the steps that are taken to find, extract, process, and use mineral resources. Students will be able to describe the major steps that a mining company must follow from initial discovery of a mineral deposit through consumption of a finished mineral product. Students will also be able to formulate ideas on ways to use waste products generated during mineral processing.

Concept

Mining is a complex and capital-intensive industry

Skill Reinforcement 

• Critical thinking
• Mapping
• Math-number manipulation
• Economics
• Decision making
• Cooperative learning
• Evaluation of multiple factors

Grade Level

6-12

Time Needed

One or two class periods

Materials

• three to four pounds of roasted peanuts in the shell
• assorted colors of enamel paint and brushes, or permanent markers (four colors minimum)
• “ M ining in a N utshell” currency in denominations of $5,000, $10,000, $50,000, and $100,000
• graph paper to map room, showing door, tables, and other major features
• worksheet

Optional

• food processor or blender
• scale for weighing in grams or ounces
• vegetable oil, salt, and honey
• celery sticks and crackers
• plastic knives

Teachers Note

Before class, make the following preparations:

1. Paint spots of color on the unshelled peanuts using markers, model paint or enamel. Use several colors, each of which can represent a different mineral. For example: Yellow = G old, Blue = Silver, G reen = C opper, R ed = Iron, Black = C oal. For each color used, paint 25-30 peanuts.
2. Have each student prepare a base map of the room or location where this activity will be done. It should show major features like doors, windows, desks, and tables, cabinets, etc. Make sure the students indicate north on their map. A drawing on 8 x 11-inch graph paper should be sufficient. To increase the difficulty (precision), the map may be drawn to scale