Copper Mining and Extraction
Copper and other raw materials contribute to our technological lifestyle, but the by-products of extracting copper from ore are potential toxic wastes. In this activity, students explore the properties of copper and copper ore. They conduct two reactions used to extract and recover copper from the ore. This process introduces single and double replacement reactions. Student also consider the wastes produced by the extraction process.
Details at a Glance
- 2-3 Days | 2-3 ~50 minute class periods
- 2 Activities
- Accommodates 1 class, with 8 groups of 4 students
- Consumables service 32 students
- Meets our criteria for supporting literacy
- Includes digital resources
- Developed in partnership with SEPUP
- Requires a water source
Scientific Concepts
•Chemical reactions are used to extract and recover copper from
ore.
•Chemicals such as copper and its compounds react in characteristic ways to form new substances with different properties.
•Natural resources, such as copper, are used to maintain and
improve quality of life.
•The by-products of ore processing can become potentially
toxic wastes.
•Decisions involving resource use should be made with an under-
standing of the trade-offs involved.
Guides & Student Sheets
Our kits and modules provide you with everything you need so you can open, review, and teach the material confidently the next day.
- Comprehensive Teacher Guide with background information, detailed instruction, example data and answers
- Student Sheets with age appropriate background information, full procedure(s), and analysis items
- Materials necessary for the investigation (beyond common classroom items)
- Safety Data Sheets
Kit Components
- 1 Malachite, single piece
- 1 Malachite, crushed, vial, 4g
- 50 Filter paper circle (grade 615)
- 16 Stir stick
- 16 SEPUP Funnel, Plastic
- 16 Graduated cup, 1 oz
- 16 A & B Tray
- 16 Dropper, plastic
- 4 Sulfuric acid, 0.5 M, 60 mL
- 8 Magnifier
- 1 Iron Powder, vial, 7.5g
- 1 SDS (Safety Data Sheet) packet
- Downloadable pdfs of student and teacher literature