Mining Module – Teacher – Environmental Education & Service Learning

Welcome Teachers!
mine

Thank you for selecting this service-learning module through the Coalition for the Upper South Platte (CUSP).

Mining has a long and rich history in Park County and surrounding areas. This economic driver enticed many to settle in South Park, establishing towns and providing a livelihood for numerous workers. Mining is notable for its historic significance and continued contributions to important industries, but it has not left the land unscathed. Environmental degradation from historic and current mining operations continues to be a concern. Mining is not a vestige of the past; its relevance lives on as it continues to impact our lives.

This module will guide students in an exploration of mining as it relates to their local communities and environment. After an introductory presentation providing an overview of mining and its significance in South Park, students will begin a group research project delving into the history and social aspects of mining, surface mining, underground mining, and milling and processing. Students will also get hands-on experience understanding how mining practices can affect water quality through an optional lab exploring acid mine drainage and dissolved oxygen.

Learning about the past and present of mining is important for students to understand the roots of their community and how mining can impact areas, both positively and negatively. CUSP’s work throughout the Upper South Platte Watershed, which encompasses South Park, to address water quality and ecological health has long had a focus on understanding and mitigating mining impacts. We encourage you to bring your students out with CUSP to explore this topic further. Service-learning projects that would complement this module include abandoned mine water sampling or mine cleanup. Sign up for a service-learning day.

The Acid Mine Drainage Module, also available on this site, is an excellent companion to this module.

We hope you find this module valuable and enjoy learning more about mining!

Sincerely,

The Coalition for the Upper South Platte

http://cusp.ws

Support for the creation of this module was generously provided by the South Park National Heritage Area.

TEACHER’S GUIDE

About the Curriculum
This module will guide students in an exploration of mining as it relates to their local communities and environment. The module is designed to start with the introductory presentation, Mining and the Environment. Students will then begin on a group research projects exploring different aspects of mining. The final activity is an optional lab investigating acid mine drainage and dissolved oxygen. Please note that the lab requires specialized equipment. Following classroom work, we encourage you to bring your students out for a service-learning activity. Sign up here.

Please see the Teacher’s Guide for a detailed outline and guide for this module.

Objectives

Students understand the local history of mining and the societal significance of mining.
Students understand how surface mining, underground mining, and milling and processing work.
Students understand the impact mining can have on water quality and the environment.
Students understand water chemistry changes related to acid mine drainage.

These objectives, as they relate to Colorado standards and STEM, can be found in the Objectives, Standards, and STEM Connections document.

Estimated Time

Total: 8-10 hours

Presentation: 30-45 minutes

Research Activity: 5-6 hours

Lab Activity: 2-3 hours

Supplies

A list of supplies for all the activities in this module are included in the Supplies document.

ACTIVITIES

Introduction: Mining and the Environment Presentation

Activity 1: Mining History and Methods Research

Activity 1 Instructions
List of Resources