Natural Resources Bundle 2
Copper Mining and Extraction (#440S): 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. Students also consider the wastes produced by the extraction process.
Biology and Chemistry of Soil (#32): Students conduct a thorough evaluation of their local soil. They use simple, easy-to-follow staining procedures and microscopes to observe and identify a range of soil biota. Students then test the soil for cation exchange capacity and pH and relate these characteristics to its ability to support plant growth. All tests are performed using either a Chemplate or calibrated sample tubes.
Qualitative Introduction to Water Pollution (#19): Students perform simple chemical tests to identify the presence of several common water pollutants. Using a simplified methodology, they determine whether the water sample contains a specific pollutant by observing the color of the water after one or more chemical reagents has been added. The testing protocols are easy to follow and the results are sufficiently reliable.
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Details at a Glance
- 5-8 Days | 5-8 ~50 minute class periods
- 5 Activities
- Accommodates 4 classes, each with 32 groups of 11 students
- Consumables service 116 students
- Meets our criteria for supporting literacy
- 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.
•Identify the type and variety of soil biota
•Calculate cation exchange capacity
•Determine soil pH
•Correlate soil pH to % base saturation
•Use staining techniques and microscopes
•Chemical reactions can cause color changes.
•Any impurity that enters a water supply can cause water to be polluted.
•There are many kinds of pollutants. Some are natural and some a result of human activities.
KEY VOCABULARY: abiotic, cation exchange capacity (CEC), soil biota, base saturation, pH, soil, chemical test, pollutant, protocol, toxic
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.
- Full downloadable Teacher Guide with background information, detailed instruction, example data and answers
- Downloadable Student Sheets with age appropriate background information, full procedure(s), and analysis questions
- All materials necessary to carry out the investigation
- Safety Data Sheets