Unit 2: Boom and Bust: How Econ 101 Relates to Rocks part of Humans Dependence on Earths Mineral Resources
This unit emphasizes that minerals are not mined just to mine them but because there is a consumer demand for the minerals. Use (demand) affects the supply and price of these minerals and also affects the amount ...

Unit 3: Mining and Mining Impacts part of Humans Dependence on Earths Mineral Resources
In this unit, students are introduced to basic mining methods and processes. This unit also addresses some of the impacts of mining (particularly from mining for metals) on the environment and human health, and ...

Pre-Unit 3 Homework - Abandoned Mine Lands & SuperFund/National Priorities List part of Humans Dependence on Earths Mineral Resources
This optional homework asks students to investigate some of the impacts of previous mines, mining, and/or mineral resources processing on the surrounding environment and human health. Many of the sites were ...

Unit 4: Mineral Resources Created by Sedimentary Processes part of Humans Dependence on Earths Mineral Resources
In this unit, students will learn about sedimentary processes and the rocks they form. Activities are specifically designed to address topics such as clastic sedimentary processes, chemical weathering, and how such ...

Unit 5: Mineral Resources Created by Igneous & Metamorphic Processes part of Humans Dependence on Earths Mineral Resources
This unit introduces the concepts of igneous and metamorphic processes and how these processes create mineral deposits. The background material provides an overview of the formation and distribution of mineral ...

Activity Option 2.2 - Rare Earth Elements: Critical Elements of the Future part of Humans Dependence on Earths Mineral Resources
This activity is based on the global supply and demand relationships of rare earth elements (REE). Students will work in small groups to analyze China's role in global REE production and supply, and how REE ...

Human's Dependence on Earth's Mineral Resources part of Humans Dependence on Earths Mineral Resources
Despite humans' heavy reliance on Earth's mineral resources, few think about where the products they use come from and what it took to produce them. This module addresses that disconnect by combining ...

Activity 1.3 - Economic Development and Resource Use part of Humans Dependence on Earths Mineral Resources
This short activity (10--15 minutes) for Unit 1 introduces students to the general relationship between economic development and resource use, and, particularly with the follow-up homework, the relationship among ...

Activity 1.1 - Minerals and Products part of Humans Dependence on Earths Mineral Resources
In the minerals and products activity, students match physical products with actual mineral samples, using observable properties as well as the minerals' chemical formulas and some products' ingredient ...

Crossword Puzzles to Review Mineral Concepts part of Mineralogy:Activities
Students complete a crossword puzzle to review the physical properties of minerals that are helpful in hand specimen identification. Mineral names and characteristics are particularly well-suited for a crossword format. Two versions are provided, one at an introductory level and one for more advanced undergraduates. Instructor files provided are easy to customize.