Fourth grade has been studying earth science with Kim this semester. The topics included in this unit are rocks, minerals, and mining. Here is a note from Kim about what they’ve been doing!
Students have learned the differences between rocks and minerals, how to classify minerals according to various characteristics, and the rock cycle. Students also learned about the periodic table, then created their own mineral based on elements they chose to research.
Students then studied natural resources and where materials come from. Students learned some of the processes involved in mining and even mined chocolate out of cookie dough! We also studied some of the effects that mining can have on the surrounding environment and populations.
As part of this unit, students have experienced the All That Glitters crystal exhibit at the Natural History Museum, a presentation by a parent who works in the mining industry, and on Friday will participate in a Skype presentation with a scientist in Alaska that is currently working as a consultant studying the proposed development of the Pebble Mine. We hope to discover even more about the many components surrounding the topic of mine development during this discussion tomorrow!
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