BRINGING MINING INTO THE SECONDARY CLASSROOM

The Teacher's Earth Science Institute (TESI) is an NSF-funded program to introduce secondary science and math teachers to mining through experiential learning. During the five-week course, completed over two summers, teachers learn about mineral prospecting, mine development, ore processing and refining, reclamation, and recycling. Participants are included in many aspects of the mining process by conducting laboratory assays, and barring, timbering, drilling, and setting explosive charges within Caledonia, the underground native copper mine. The TESI program includes vital aspects necessary to bring these experiences directly into the classroom. Throughout the course, Bridge to the Teaching World sessions help teachers to stay mindful of their classroom as they learn about mineralogy, structural geology, chemistry, and stratigraphy. TESI participants are required to create, pilot test and report on a new lesson they create for their classroom. The impact of this program includes greater content knowledge, novel classroom activities, and a greater appreciation for the impact of mining on our daily lives.