Resources for Educators
The School of Mining Engineering & Mineral Resources provides materials and learning opportunities to help K-12 students understand how we use minerals in our daily lives and what it takes to collect them responsibly. Advisors and career counseling are also available.
For teachers, SMEMR also offers career development courses and free resources to bring back to the classroom. Follow the links below to see some of the educational options available. Or, if you have a creative idea for adding mining education to your curriculum, please contact us.
Cu at the Mine!
Who: Middle/high school science teachers
Where: U of A and various locations
This five-day professional development academy for teachers offers learning, field trips and expert talks. Establish valuable connections with other educators and find useful classroom resources that make science fun.
“Minerals Make It!” Video Series
Who: Grades K-7
Where: Online
These short videos explore the minerals that we depend on every day. Learn how they transform our lives through widespread technologies like wi-fi, gaming systems, construction and even the food we eat.
“Ask a Pro” Video Series
Who: Grades K-12
Where: Online
With these short videos, students can investigate their interests and career options in mining. Hear straight from industry professionals about real world experiences as they answer submitted questions.
Virtual Hiking Tours
Who: Everyone
Where: Online or in-person
Length: Variable
Go on guided journeys through the surrounding landscape of Tucson, AZ, to discover the history of mining and mineral resources in the region. Take a real hike using the free app or enjoy exploration from home.
Virtual Mine Tours
Who: Everyone
Where: Online
Delve deeply into the mines of Arizona from home or the classroom. From active mines that provide most of the copper in the U.S. to historic sites throughout the state, these tours showcase an often-unseen beauty.
Class Presentations
Who: Grades 5-12
Where: Classroom or online
Bring engaging, experiential workshops to your classroom, and make learning fun for students with programs such as using chemistry to make copper or mining techniques using kinetic sand activity.
Explore Mining Careers
Who: Grades 11-12, college
Where: Online or phone
Modern mining requires expertise in multiple fields to responsibly fulfill global mineral demands. Learn about the wide variety of careers available and how the interdisciplinary studies at SMEMR can guide that path.
Live STEM Q&A Webinars
Who: Grades K-12
Where: Online
Students and teachers can join online question and answer sessions with Smithsonian scientists, tour the grand halls of the Natural History Museum, enjoy free summer courses, and explore featured collections.
Minerals and Mining Activities
Who: Grades K-12
Where: Classroom or online
Browse a curated list of mining and minerals activities specifically designed for the classroom. Hands-on learning sessions are sorted by grade and include both group and individual options for engaging students.
Virtual Labs and Field Trips
Who: Grades 6-12
Where: Online
Dig Into Mining allows you to bring your students on guided digital tours of working copper mines. Interactive field trips, classroom tools and engaging activities show how we use minerals in our daily lives.
Geodesy Tools for Educators
Who: Grades 6-12, college
Where: Classroom or online
Let your students tackle important Earth science questions through classroom and online activities, and lesson plans using real data from UNAVCO. Tutorials and access to GPS datasets are provided for educators.
Teaching Geoscience Resources
Who: Grades K-12
Where: Online
The Science Education Resource Center at NAGT presents their Teach the Earth learning resources. Along with traditional teaching materials, explore a collection of online geoscience activities and workshops.
Geoscience Teachers Association
Who: Grades K-12
Where: Online
The National Association of Geoscience Teachers provides professional development, networking and a large collection of teaching resources for educators. Journal publications are also available for members.
National Digital Science Library
Who: Grades K-12
Where: Classroom or online
The National Digital Science Library is a searchable database of online educational resources. Activities are searchable by subject, educational standards, grade level, material type and media format.
Ask a Geologist
Who: K-12
Where: Online
Let your students bring their questions to the professional geologists at the Arizona Geological Survey. They can also explore the FAQ to see previous answers while learning more about our world and geology careers.
Minerals Lesson Plans
Who: Grades K-12
Where: Classroom or online
The Minerals Education Coalition provides a large, searchable database of activities and resources for educators. Search by grade level or educational standard to find a host of materials to engage your classroom.
Make A Topographic Map
Who: Grades K-12
Where: Classroom or online
Scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey provide recorded lectures, lesson plans and free topographic maps of the country. Use the free tool with students to create your own map of the school or neighborhood.
Geoscience Activities
Who: Grades K-12
Where: Classroom or online
The Earth Institute’s channel features experts presenting responsible geoscience content in 60-minute live webinars for students and educators. Sessions include demos and activities for various age ranges and topics.