USING GEMSTONES TO INTRODUCE MINERALOGY AND MINERAL EXTRACTION FOR AN INTRODUCTORY GENERAL EDUCATION EARTH SYSTEMS SCIENCE COURSE

An Earth Systems Science (ESS) Problem Based Learning (PBL) scenario is used to study the earth systems involved in the extraction and marketing of gemstones.

The unit is part of an undergraduate non-majors course entitled Resource Management an Earth Systems Science (ESS) Approach. Students are introduced to gemstone extraction through a series of activities that includes two videos on the diamond industry and a PBL scenario.

Students, working in groups, then select a gemstone to study and prepare a PowerPoint presentation for their gemstone. The PBL scenario is framed around a jewelry company’s corporate marketing strategy. The audience for the presentations is the CEO of the company. Students must discuss all aspects of their gemstone within each of the Earth's spheres and must include socio-economic and social justice components.