The unequal distribution of natural resources is the direct result of past geologic processes. Once a promising region is located, geologists use a variety of techniques to find the materials and energy that society consumes. Their tools can be as simple as a hand lens or as sophisticated as a satellite. Along the way, exploration geologists and…

In 30 years of teaching, the author never taught explicitly about coal. Coal appeared in his social studies curriculum solely as a labor issue, and coal was mostly invisible in his history classes. The world cannot afford this kind of curricular invisibility today. Forty percent of the main greenhouse gas produced in the United States, carbon…

Louisiana's land, coast, and inland waterways are home to many natural resources such as seafood, petroleum, natural gas, and timber--and freshwater crawfish, or "mudbugs" as the locals like to call them. These natural resources are vital to Louisiana's economy. The author describes a unit of study on economics in which a teacher taught…

Described is an activity in which students learn about the minerals industry in the United Kingdom as well as the properties of rocks. Emphasized is the impact of human activity on the Earth. The variety of mineral resources in the United Kingdom and the environmental issues are discussed. (KR)

Presents the "mine to my home" concept (explore-mine-process-consume-recycle). Provides a large, color poster and many activities for teaching this concept. (PR)

This Alberta curriculum guide defines competencies that help students build daily living skills, investigate career options in energy and mines, use technology in the fields of energy and mining effectively and efficiently, and prepare for entry into the workplace or related postsecondary programs in the field. The first section provides a program…

This instructor's manual consists of materials for use in introducing middle and junior high school students to job requirements and career opportunities in the areas of agribusiness and natural resource exploration. Included in the first part of the manual are a program master sequence, a listing of various agricultural and mining occupations…

These eight papers are intended to help prepare trainers of mine safety for an expected influx of younger workers as experienced miners retire and acquaint the trainers with strategies they can use to enhance their training effectiveness. "Principles of Adult Learning: Application for Mine Trainers" (Kathleen M. Kowalski, Charles Vaught)…