Reaching out to Educators and the Community
Funded by the Mining and Minerals Education Foundation, our K-12 Outreach Program provides southern Arizona students with opportunities to learn about the importance of mineral resources to their daily lives, where those minerals come from, and modern mining's advancements in producing safe, sustainable resources for the planet's growing population.
If you are interested in a presentation on minerals resources or mining for your school or organization, you can request a workshop or get more information below. We look forward to connecting with your class!
K-12 OUTREACH ACTIVITIES
In-Class Workshops
Who: Grades 5-12; college
Where: We come to you
Length: varies
We offer engaging, experiential workshops that make learning fun for students and align with Arizona state science standards. These unique workshops allow students to gain a better understanding of the role of minerals in their lives though demonstrations, guided lab activities and team exercises.
Students may learn about chemistry by creating copper metal, or learn about mining through a kinetic sand activity. Click the link to learn more and to request a workshop for your class.
STEAM, College, and Career Fairs
Who: Grades 7-12; college
Where: We come to you
Length: varies
We participate in College, Career & Transfer STEM fairs promoting mineral resources careers and degrees. Together with our partner organizations, we can contribute to your event throughout the state of Arizona with an exhibition table and our outreach coordinators.
Hands-on activities and demonstrations help attendees explore the science and engineering of mining through experiential learning. Contact us to learn more.
Virtual Classroom Presentations
Who: Grades 5-12; college
Where: On Zoom
Length: 30 mins – 1 hr
Our same great in-class workshops presented virtually. Presentations are aligned with Arizona state science standards. Topics and suggested audiences:
- Careers & Academic Opportunities in Mining (grades 9-12; college)
- Minerals: Properties and Uses (grades 4-12)
- Design a Mine (grades 9-12)
- Mineral Processing Engineering (grades 9-12)
On-Campus Tours
Who: Groups or individual prospective students
Where: UArizona Main Campus
Length: varies
High school & community college groups as well as prospective students & their families are encouraged to visit the Mining & Geological Engineering Department on the University of Arizona's Tucson campus. Tour facilities and departments and attend an information session or meet with faculty members.
Visitors have the option to sign-up for campus-wide tours. We make every effort to accommodate requests year-round.
Want to customize an event for your school or club?
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
San Xavier Mining Laboratory Tours
Who: All age groups
Where: Sahuarita, Arizona
Length: around 2 hours
Did you know that the University of Arizona owns and operates an underground mine in Sahuarita, Arizona? It's called the San Xavier Mining Laboratory, and you can take a tour and learn what a mine is really like!
Mine tours are available for upper-level high school and college groups. Group sizes underground are limited to 15 people, however split programs can accommodate larger groups and may include lectures or surface activities provided by UArizona students, staff or faculty.
Tours are free, but availability is limited.
Mineral Resource Discovery Workshops
Who: Grades 5-12
Where: Flandrau Science Center, Tucson
Length: 2 hours
This program gives students hands-on experience with the science and engineering of today's mining industry. Students are encouraged to connect chemistry and earth science concepts learned in the classroom to their applications in an industry that touches all of our lives. Stations include:
- How mineral deposits form
- Exploration geology
- Mine engineering and planning
- Mineral processing chemistry
- Environmental effects and monitoring
Webinars & Information Sessions
Who: High school, community college and international students
Where: Online via Zoom or by phone
Length: around 1hr
Interested in a degree but can’t make it to Tucson for a visit? Get your questions answered about the school, programs, careers, and student life at the University of Arizona through a group webinar or 1-on-1 session.
We can accommodate most groups, including Spanish-speaking and Latin American groups.
Request a webinar by emailing Mario Munoz: mariomunoz@arizona.edu.
Summer Engineering Academy
Who: High school students
Where: Online and in-person, Tucson, AZ
Length: one day or longer
UArizona's College of Engineering has hosted the Summer Engineering Academy (SEA) for more than 30 years. SEA offers summer camps for high school students, including graduated seniors, who want to learn more about engineering and get a taste of life as a Wildcat.
Camps have been conducted in-person and virtually, with students engaging in hands-on activities in the virtual space. Forty-seven students from 16 states participated in the 2021 SEA Academy, and this year's event promises to be the best yet!
