MINNESOTA MINERAL EDUCATION WORKSHOP – PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR TEACHERS IN THE AREA OF MINERAL RESOURCE EDUCATION

Mining in Minnesota has a long and colorful history extending back over a century. Past boom and bust cycles in the mineral extraction industries have left an economic and cultural legacy across the state from northern Minnesota's Iron Ranges to the rich agricultural lands and urban areas of the south. High global demand for taconite and significant platinum group element (PGE) mining potential in the recreationally rich northern part of Minnesota combine with increasing consumption of building stone, sand and gravel deposits in the south to bring issues of mineral resource extraction to the backyards and vacationlands of a majority of Minnesotans. K-12 teachers play an important role in disseminating current, accurate and balanced information to young Minnesotans regarding the role of such mineral resources in creating and sustaining our modern industrial society at a time when conflicting land use objectives make informed decision making critical to the future of mining.

The Minnesota Mineral Education Workshop (MMEW) provides professional development for practicing educators regarding modern mining practices, developments, and mitigation procedures for use in educating K-12 students in public, private and home school environments. The 3-day annual workshop is held in different regions of the state each year providing easy access to local educators while affording repeat attendees the chance to gain an appreciation for the diversity of mineral resources available across Minnesota. Practicing educators receive classroom and field instruction from mining industry experts, scientists and regulators from the MN Department of Natural Resources, master teachers and university faculty. Classroom sessions focus on practical information, activities and lesson planning for quick transfer to K-12 instruction. Field trips expose participants to classic rock outcrops, active mines and quarries, ore/stone processing and waste mitigation/site reclamation. Participants have the opportunity to obtain classroom samples and resources not generally available outside the local area.