Click on this link to access a series of chapters stressing the
dependence upon mineral resources in our everyday lives.
http://www.nma.org/whatminingmeans.html
Follow this link to learn more about the human utilization of
materials as well as the properties of these materials that makes them
suitable tools for use.
http://www.gwydir.demon.co.uk/jo/minerals/properties.htm
Visit this university's web page to access information on the Bronze
Age, the source of the materials that gave it its name, mining, and
much more.
http://www-geology.ucdavis.edu/~GEL115/115CH4.html
This site provides information on humans' use of iron, as well as
techniques used for smelting this metal.
http://www-geology.ucdavis.edu/~GEL115/115CH5.html
This resource provides an explanation of chemical elements as well
as provides links to 18 easy-to-understand elements..
http://www.chem4kids.com/files/elem_intro.html
This online resource offers basic information on the size of atoms.
It also provides an online glossary for terms that may be unknown to
the reader. Visit the web pages that follow to extend your knowledge
on atoms (i.e., "How can you tell the difference between atoms of
different elements? What is atomic number?"). To access more (3.1)
or less (1.1) advanced web sites on the subject, see the bottom of
the page.
http://www.sciencenet.org.uk/database/Chemistry/StructBond/c00196b.html
Information offered at this location includes the basic
characteristics of solids, liquids, and gases an online glossary.
Pages such as "How do the particles of solids, liquids and gases
behave differently?" (2.2) , "Why do some solids float and others
sink?" (2.3) provide helpful information to follow up the concepts of
solids, liquids, and gases. If you wish to access more (3.1) or less
(1.1) advanced web sites see the bottom of the page.
http://www.sciencenet.org.uk/database/Chemistry/StructBond/c00193b.html
Investigate the basic properties of solids (i.e., atomic arrangement,
freezing point, and crystal structure) by surfing this site. It also
provides illustrations to help you understand how solids hold their
shape.
http://www.chem4kids.com/files/matter_solid.html
To learn more about the properties of matter, visit the following web
sites:
Visit this online resource to access information on the instruments
and formulas used to determine the density of minerals. This web
page also serves as a mineralogy database that offers density
information in two tables: metallic minerals and nonmetallic
minerals.
http://webmineral.com/help/Density.shtml
Visit this web site to learn about the science of electrical
conductivity and its importance.
It provides an interactive glossary that makes learning the basics
easier.
http://wow.nrri.umn.edu/wow/under/parameters/conductivity.html
Discover the variables that affect electrical conductivity by
clicking here. This site also offers the salt content in the water
of major lakes around the US.
http://lakeaccess.org/russ/conductivity.htm
The second paragraph of this discussion reveals the nature of
electrical conductivity in
metals vs. nonmetals, such as salts, oxides, etc.
http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/feb98/885153825.Ph.r.html
Discover the meanings of "ductile" and "malleable" and why these are
important properties.
http://www.education.eth.net/acads/chemistry/metals&nonmetals-II.htm
This site provides information on the physical properties of metals.
Metals are arranged by name, composition, properties, and uses.
http://www3.mistral.co.uk/a.davies/CDT10metalsproperties.htm
An overview of the magnetic nature of minerals and technical
information on different types of magnetic minerals is presented at
this site.
http://www.tmm.utexas.edu/npl/mineralogy/science_of_minerals/electric_magnet_properties.htm
Learn the basics of measuring thermal conductivity by clicking
measurement primarily focusing on soils and granular materials. It
also offers a list of conductivity measurements for common household
goods such as water, olive oil, cotton, cork, wood, and leather by the
orders of magnitude.
http://www.hukseflux.com/thermal%20conductivity/thermal.htm
Get a basic introducation to mixtures by surfing this site.
Visualizations of mixtures and links to related information on this
site. An online glossary, applications, and a quiz are offered,
too.
http://www.spacesciencegroup.nsula.edu/lessons/defaultie.asp?Theme=mixtures&PageName
=mixtures
Access online videos of chemical and physical mixing by clicking on
this link.
http://www.spacesciencegroup.nsula.edu/lessons/defaultie.asp?Theme=chemistry&PageName=
chemicalchange
To learn more about alloys, their properties, and uses, visit the
following web sites:
A list of some common alloys and their component metals are available
here.
http://www.spacesciencegroup.nsula.edu/lessons/defaultie.asp?Theme=&PageName=commonalloys
Download a video on the use of alloys in space missions, as well as
learn about the properties of
alloys and how they are made.
http://www.spacesciencegroup.nsula.edu/lessons/defaultie.asp?Theme=&PageName=alloys
To learn more about the concrete and cement resources, visit the following
web sites: The Relationship between Concrete and Cement
A wide range of information on concrete (i.e., components, hydration
processes, and its different forms) is accessible to users by visiting
this site.
http://www.portcement.org/cb/concretebasics_concretebasics.asp
Discover portland cement's history, components, production, as well
as its relationship to concrete.
http://www.portcement.org/CB/concretebasics_history.asp
Full color images of minerals along with descriptions of physical
properties, history of discovery, and more are offered at this
site.
http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/by-name.htm
Click on the first letter of a mineral you are interested in researching
to access the mineral's chemical formula, common colors, luster,
hardness, specific gravity, cleavage, and other properties.
http://www.geology.wisc.edu/~jill/glossary2.html
Minerals are listed according to hardness, streak, luster, density, and
cleavage and fracture at this web page. Click on the property to view a
mineral list. You can then click on individual minerals to view more
information and images.
http://webmineral.com/determin.shtml Hardness
Learn about mineral hardness at this page. Also, view the traditional
scale of hardness commonly used by miners.
http://www.rockhounds.com/rockshop/hardness1.html
This site defines hardness and provides an interactive table showing
Moh's relative hardness scale whereby you can explore the unique
properties of many minerals traditionally used in this scale.
http://webmineral.com/help/Density.shtml Moh's
Scale
This graphically-enhanced collection rank minerals according to
hardness using Moh's scale. It also provides links if you wish to find
more about specific minerals and their properties.
http://www.gwydir.demon.co.uk/JO/minerals/hardness.htm
Explore the three common terms used to identify the coloration of
minerals. An interactive table of minerals (sorted by color) and
information on individual minerals are also offered at this page.
http://webmineral.com/help/Color.shtml
Are you searching for a visualization of what the streak of a mineral
looks like? If your answer is yes, then click here. A link
(http://www.cobweb.net/~bug2/flowchart.JPG) is provided at the bottom
of the page to a flow chart that may be useful in identifying minerals
based on variety of attributes including streak.
http://www.cobweb.net/~bug2/rock4.htm#STREAK
To learn more about specific gravity and how it is used as a tool to
identify minerals from one another, visit this site. It provides two
lists of specific gravity values for minerals, one for nonmetallic and
the other for metallic minerals.
http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/density.htm
This site offers a clear and concise definition of specific gravity as
well as offers a quick way of determining its value.
http://geology.csupomona.edu/alert/mineral/gravity.htm Notes
On Specific Gravity
Are you looking for a more advanced resource on specific gravity? If
so, look no farther. This site include information on the history of
thought on specific gravity, how it is calculated, and causes of error
in its calculation.
http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/nenam/gravity.htm
A basic overview of fracture and cleavage is available here. It
provides visualizations that may help you understand how to identify
cleavage.
http://www.cobweb.net/~bug2/rock4.htm#FC What
is crystal cleavage?, Amethyst Galleries, Inc.
A more in depth look into fracture and cleavage is provided in this
site. Information is offered on the relationship between cleavage and
crystal shape as well as strategies for recognizing mineral cleavage.
It also provides an online photo gallery of minerals and includes
information on the various types of cleavage each mineral possesses.
http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/cleavage.htm
Conceptualizing crystalline structures of minerals can be difficult.
Visit this site for an introductory look into this science.
http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/nenam/mineral.htm
Do you know why some minerals tend to glow when the lights are off?
Explore this site to learn about the emission of light by
minerals.
http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/property/fluoresc.htm Mineral
Striations
Visit this site to learn about mineral striations and what these
striations indicate.
http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/property/striatio.htm
To learn more about mineral distribution, visit the following web sites:
The site also provides maps
on agricultural minerals operations, coal mines and facilities,
construction minerals operations, excluding crushed stone, sand and
gravel, and common clay, and others.
Click here to access an overview of mixtures. This page uses both
the contents within concrete and seawater to demonstrate properties
of a "mixture".
http://www.chem4kids.com/files/matter_mixture.html
Discover the differences between mixtures and compounds by visiting
this page. It also provides information on the properties of
mixtures and compounds and mixture separation.
http://www.ultranet.com/~jkimball/BiologyPages/M/Mixtures.html
Section 1.2 provides information on the various aspects of surface
mining methods. This includes quarrying, open pit, dredging, and
hydraulic mining.
http://www.specialistsinrisks.com/Popups/mining1.htm
Discover the locations of the most common metallic minerals mined in
the world, such as copper, gold, silver, lead, and zinc by visiting
this site.
http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Glossary/MineralResources/description_mineral_resources.html
Are you curious how th gravity method is used? Then follow this link
to find out. Also, view actual data driven by a gravimeter.
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/njgs/geophys/grav.htm
This site provides information on the general use of the gravimeter.
Learn how this instrument is used on the surface of the moon. Also
view data derived from this instrument regarding the densities of
lunar rocks.
http://geoinfo.nmt.edu/penguins/gravity_method.html
Magnetometers are important tools for locating minerals. Explore this
site to learn how these are used.
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/njgs/geophys/mag.htm
Scientists uncover buried iron objects using the magnetic method. This
site provides a good overview of how this method works.
www.geovision.com/PDF/M_Magnetic.PDF
(NOTE: Adobe Reader is needed to view this document.
Please
click here or visit
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html to download the
latest, FREE version.)
Find out how acoustic waves propagating through the subsurface of
the Earth can reveal important data for determining locations of
mineral deposits. This site explores seismic refraction and seismic
reflection methods.
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/njgs/geophys/seis.htm
To learn more about the economic value of minerals, visit the following
web sites:
This site offers periodic statistical and economic publications on
production, distribution, stocks, and consumption of significant mineral
commodities. These publications are issued monthly, quarterly, or
annually for commodities and annually for various states and countries.
You can search the Alphabetical Index for a particular mineral or the
entire list of minerals.
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/mis.html
(NOTE: Adobe Reader is needed to view this document. Please click here
or visit http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html to download
the latest, FREE version.)
The USGS provides information on the mineral industry of other
countries. This site offers links to yearly data, as well as mineral
location maps for a variety of countries within the following regions:
Africa and the Middle East, Asia, the Pacific, Europe, Central Eurasia,
North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America.
International
Maps - http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/country/maps/ International
Data - http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/country/
To learn more about mineral explorations, visit the following web sites:
Start
a
Mine, Canada's Natural Resources, Minerals and Metals Sector
This is an interactive site created to engage the users in the mining
cycle, beginning with claim staking and continuing through operations,
to the closure of the site, and finally its rehabilitation. Additional
information on mineral exploration is also available.
http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/mms/wealth/mine/english/start-e.htm
An in-depth view of mineral exploration in W. Australia is offered here.
You will explore the issues connected with the exploration, mining, and
mineral processing industries in this region.
http://www.mineralswa.asn.au/~cmeminex/page1.html
Determining the appropriate mineral extraction methods can be tricky.
Explore these web sites to learn about common separation methods based
on the physical or chemical characteristics of the ore and its
surrounding material:
Research this article to learn about the buried uranium tailings at
Lake Powell.
http://www.glencanyon.org/news/newsletter/issue5/hp5uraniumtailings.htm
Investigate the potential hazards of developing mineral deposits
located near Yellowstone National Park.
http://www.cnie.org/nle/crsreports/mining/mine-9.cfm
The focus of this study is the environmental effects of the mineral
resources development in Papua, New Guinea. Learn why local
residents, particularly those of the Bougainville region, have taken
to armed resistance to protest the mining industry.
http://www.american.edu/ted/PAPUA.HTM
To learn about characteristics of deep mines, visit the following web
sites:
Explore critical issues regarding the health of miners. Information on
the hazards of mines as well as consequential health conditions of
mining over time are offered at this site.
http://ehpnet1.niehs.nih.gov/docs/1998/106-11/forum.html
Did you know that there are health hazards associated with emissions
from diesel engines inside deep mines is offered? Click here to learn
more.
http://www.minerals.nsw.gov.au/safety/msn4/msn4_8.pdf
(NOTE: Adobe Reader is needed to view this document. Please click here
or visit http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html to download
the latest, FREE version.)
Miners are victims to a variety of occupational hazards. Read the
information provided on this page to get an overview of the different
types and frequency of hazards the workers of one company have
experienced.
http://www.outokumpu.fi/group/enviro7.htm
Click on the "Take the Tour" button to begin your interactive
investigation of the minerals that make
up common household items. You can even test your knowledge by
clicking on the "Take the Test" button.
http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/mms/wealth/intro-e.htm
Discover the variety of household uses for minerals, including
entertainment, travel, communications, and more by exploring this
site.
http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/mms/week/treas-e.htm
To learn more about household objects that are made of grown materials,
visit the following web sites:
For an in-depth look at the past and future uses as well as new
initiatives for plant/crop-based renewable resources, visit this site.
www.sc.doe.gov/production/bes/eb/Publications/vision2020.pdf
(NOTE: Adobe Reader is needed to view this document.
Please
click here or visit
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html to download the
latest, FREE version.)
Visit this web site to explore the basics of products, applications,
and technology generated by biomass resources.
http://www.eren.doe.gov/RE/bio_chemicals.html Renewable
Bioproducts, Office of Industrial Technology, EREN
You will find a basic list of products made from renewable energy
sources at this site. It offers information on current use of plant
resources for industrial products, and cost comparisons for
hydrocarbons vs. plants.
http://www.oit.doe.gov/agriculture/renewable_bioproducts.shtml
The United States Geological Survey National
Geologic Map Database contains information on how and where to
obtain geologic maps. (http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/)
Download state geologic maps at About.com's
site.
(http://geology.about.com/science/geology/cs/geomapsusstates/)
Reading
Geologic
Maps - informative review on how to read and interpret
geologic maps.
(http://geology.about.com/science/geology/library/weekly/aa100800a.htm)
The United States Geological Survey MapFinder
allows you to order 7.5 minute maps online for $4 per map plus $5
s/h per order.
(http://edc.usgs.gov/Webglis/glisbin/finder_main.pl?dataset_name=MAPS_LARGE)
The United States Geological Survey maintains a list of Map
Dealers. Click on your state to obtain a list of
retailers who sell maps.
(http://mapping.usgs.gov/esic/map_dealers/)
The United States Geological Survey National Geologic Map Database
site on How
to
find topographic maps
(http://ngmsvr.wr.usgs.gov/Other_Resources/rdb_topo.html)
TopoZone site allows you
to download topographic maps (including USGS maps) for free, at
various scales (from 1:100,000 to 1:24,000).
(http://www.topozone.com/)
General Map Resources:
An excellent list of map resources available online can be found
on the Central Michigan University
Resources for Earth Science and Geography Instruction web
site. Included are links to sites to make maps, as well as
links to free downloadable outline maps, satellite imagery, GPS, and
GIS databases.
(http://personal.cmich.edu/~franc1m/locamap.htm)
"Maps" - USGS Earth
Science Information Center, includes general map information, from
how to read maps to how to obtain them. Also includes links to
further information regarding topographic, thematic, planetary maps,
and more. (http://ask.usgs.gov/maps.html)
National
Geographic (maps and videos): 1-800-962-1643
(http://www.nationalgeographic.com/maps/index.html)
"Maps
of the United States" - USGS fact sheet, contains a series of
depictions of the United States, along with information on how to
obtain additional US maps.
(http://www.usgs.gov/fact-sheets/maps-us/index.html)
"Maps
of
the World" - USGS fact sheet, contains a series of world maps,
including outline maps,
seismicity maps, and political maps. Also contains information
for ordering more specific world maps.
(http://www.usgs.gov/fact-sheets/maps-world/maps-world.html)
"National Atlas
Maps" - USGS site of a variety of US maps that are available
online, including
shaded relief maps, aquifer maps, and further information on how to
order maps not available online.
(http://www-atlas.usgs.gov/atlasmap.html?)
The following videos, which are available in English and French, are
distributed
by: International Tele-Film Enterprises Ltd.
5090 Explorer Drive
Suite 301
Mississauga, Ontario
L4W 4T9
Tel: (905) 629-3133, 1-800-561-4300
Fax: (905) 629-1211
Mining and Minerals Vignettes (23 minutes, 17 seconds):
1- Exploring for Minerals (4:20)
2- Panning for gold (2:57)
3- Exploration geologists (3:42)
4- Underground mining (3:00)
5- Surface mining (3:40)
6- Mining gypsum (3:03)
7- Mining potash (3:03)
Target audience: High school and university students, general
public.
Geoscience Mapping (4 minutes, 30 seconds):
This video looks into the study and application of geoscience,
identification of
mineral resources and geological mapping provide a base for the
mineral
industry of Atlantic Canada. Target audience: High school students and
general public.
$10 each + shipping and handling.
PH: 303-973-9550 and 800-763-3132 · FAX: 303-973-3845
8307 Shaffer Parkway, PO Box 277002, Littleton, CO 80127
http://www.smenet.org/store/education_videos.cfm?#Session.URLToken#
This magazine reviews current issues in the Earth Sciences and can
serve as a valuable supplemental resource for teachers and students
alike. Visit the web site for online articles and information
about obtaining a one-year subscription (40% discount for AGI Member
Society members; 65% discount for students).
http://www.geotimes.org/current/