The Politics of Rocks and Minerals
Combine politics with science as the class discovers the intricacies of studying rocks and minerals.
By Cathy Neushul
A study of rocks and minerals is the type of exploration that everyone in your class will enjoy. Lessons can focus on a variety of topics involving rocks and minerals, including a discussion of the different rock types and compositions, and the political ramifications related to their mining.
Hands-On Rock Explorations
One way to kick-off a unit on this topic is by having your class engage in hands-on activities. Bring in a variety of different rock samples, or even better, have your students some to class. While you might end up with an eclectic mix, you are sure to get them interested in this topic, especially when you give them a chance to share their samples.
Once you have a large collection, you can have your class make individual rock and mineral encyclopedias in which they place an entry for each sample. As part of each entry, they should include a picture of the rock or mineral, a description of its characteristics, and where it is found. Pupils can then use this book throughout the unit to identify different examples.
Take a Look at Natural Wonders
Along with encouraging your class to bring in their own examples of rocks and minerals, you can take them on a field trip to identify formations in your area. If you live near a beach or river, take them to a location where it is easy to see stratified rock. As a group, identify the types of rock found in each of the layers.
If finding rock formations in your area is not an option, use pictures and examples from the Grand Canyon to discuss this concept. Afterward, have your class create a diagram showing and identifying each of the layers found in the sides of the canyon.
The Political Side of the Picture
Another way to get your class interested in this topic is by discussing the political implications of mining precious minerals. Pupils can do research to find out where each of a list of minerals is found, and then delve into the politics of mining. For example, they can discuss conflict diamonds, which are described as those which originate from areas without a recognized form of government. Some of the countries they can research include Angola, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Another mineral that has become the focus of political debate is coltan, which is a metallic ore used in electronic products such as cellular phones. Illegally mined coltan is reputed to be a tool for financing wars in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As a result, the Congo, as one of the largest producers of coltan, has become the focus of world attention.
While students are learning about where minerals are found, they can also identify how each of the substances are used. For example, diamonds are merely decorative, but other minerals such as copper and lead, are in integral part of our daily lives.
By learning about rocks and minerals, your class can explore the world around them, practice classification skills, and discover the political intricacies of mining.
Rock and Mineral Lessons:
Learn about the formation of sedimentary rocks. Additionally, your class will learn key vocabulary and create a PowerPoint. This provides an great introduction to rocks and minerals.
Discuss the life cycle of a rock with your class. There are some great resources here! You will find a vocabulary list, an experiment, an online tutorial, and more.
Give pupils the key to classifying minerals. Using this resource, they can learn about minerals through watching a video, playing a game, and group discussions.
Minerals and the Products of Mining
Explore the politics of mining by having a class discussion about a list of minerals and the countries where they originate. They also talk about the issues relating to mining.
