Reading River Sediments: A Simulated Mineral Exploration Activity
kit #435
This outstanding and engaging Lab-Aid provides a series of "hands-on" activities allowing students to apply key earth science concepts.
Students conduct a mineral exploration which simulates real-life economic, societal and issue-oriented problems. The activities are designed to introduce and use topographic maps and learn about rock types, erosion and river dynamics.
The kit is based on the understanding that as water works along the earth's surface and through the ground, it picks up small amounts of the minerals found in the rocks and sediments. Certain minerals ionize, then travel along in the moving water and later react chemically with the surface of river sediments. The closer the section of river is to a mineral deposit, the greater the detectable amount will be of the river sediments.
Since it is impractical to take a class out to the field to obtain samples, simulated sample river sediments are provided in the kit. Also provided are detailed topographic maps of a river system in a mountainous region, all necessary testing solutions and apparatus.
This kit is reusable. Each sample site can be tested a minimum of 50 times with the material included in this package. Additional worksheets, topographic maps and test-site samples are available.
Scientific Concepts:
• Use key earth science concepts to conduct a mineral exploration
• Introduce and use topographic maps
• Learn about erosion and river dynamics
• Activities simulate real-life economic, societal and issue oriented problems
To complete this kit requires one ~50-minute class period.
- Use key earth science concepts to conduct a mineral exploration
- Introduce and use topographic maps
- Learn about erosion and river dynamics
- Activities simulate real-life economic, societal and issue oriented problems
Content List in Reading River Sediments: A Simulated Mineral Exploration Activity is as follows:
| Quantity | Description |
|---|---|
| 24 | Vials Test Sites 1 - 24 |
| 24 | Stir Sticks |
| 15 | Topographic Maps |
| 15 | LAB-AIDS Chemplates |
| 15 | Sets Sample Sites Choice Cards |
| 3 | Molybdenum Testing Solution, 15 mL drop-control bottles |
| 1 | Package LAB-AIDS Mining Money |
| 30 | Student Worksheet and Guides |
| 1 | Teacher’s Guide |
| 1 | SDS packet |
- Number of students
- 30
- Number of groups
- Maximum 15 groups per period
To complete this kit requires one ~50-minute class period.
Kit #439S Making and Interpreting Topographic Maps (Developed by SEPUP)
Kit #444S Using Remote Sensing to Determine Topography (Developed by SEPUP)
Kit #437 Modeling and Investigating Watersheds
Kit #446S Engineering & Design: Modeling and Mitigating Stream Processes (Developed by SEPUP)
