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…

This paper takes as a case study the pedagogical practices emergent from the educational interventions of a civil society organisation in the conflict affected region of Kono, Sierra Leone. Using a cultural political economy approach, it highlights the possibilities of pedagogy being leveraged to protest against perceived and experienced social…

This article describes an activity in which ninth graders explore a plan to strip-mine coal in Wyoming and Montana, send it by train to the Northwest, then ship it to Asia to be burned. Students' questions ranged from "Why are we mining for more coal if it's the biggest contributor to global warming" and "How can adults doom our…

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…

Discusses the composition and properties of various types of coal. Follows the origin of coal and amounts available in the ground. Explores the anaerobic decay needed to produce coal. Touches upon the greenhouse effect. (MVL)

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 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…