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In this activity, students prepare a sample of "mine tailings", then separate out desirable materials using whatever method they choose, and quantify the results. They will discover that sometimes it's hard to separate desirable minerals from undesirable ones, especially if they look alike or the crystals are of similar sizes. Students learn that old, worked-out mines contain some desirable minerals (in small quantities) mixed in with unwanted minerals, but that doesn't stop some people from trying to squeeze out the last drop. Once considered tailings (or trash), the mix may now be profitable for mining. Desirable minerals can be separated physically and chemically.
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Intended for grade levels:
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Technical requirements:
No specific technical requirements, just a browser required
Cost / Copyright:
No cost
Copyright 1990-2003 The Chedd-Angier Production Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Each SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN FRONTIERS program is accompanied by an online teaching guide filled with science activities and educators are encouraged to download and photocopy these materials for use in the classroom.
DLESE Catalog ID:
DLESE-000-000-008-234
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Educational standards:
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