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materials/minerals

© 2002 American Geological Institute. http://www.agiweb.org

Contents: All Activities and Investigations

Materials and Minerals

Investigation 1
Investigation 2
Investigation 3
Investigation 4
Investigation 5
Investigation 6
Investigation 7

Throughout this module, students will use hands-on, inquiry-based explorations to investigate:where deposits of minerals can be found;

how deposits form; 

how minerals are mined; 

what responsibilities you have in managing these resources; and 

the importance of minerals as a natural resource for producing materials.
Investigation 1 -- Minerals over Time

To learn more about this topic, visit the following web sites:

• Human use of materials

 
• What Mining Means to Americans, National Mining Association 

Click on this link to access a series of chapters stressing the dependence upon mineral resources in our everyday lives. 
http://www.nma.org/whatminingmeans.html
• Properties of Natural Materials

Follow this link to learn more about the human utilization of materials as well as the properties of these materials that makes them suitable tools for use.
http://www.gwydir.demon.co.uk/jo/minerals/properties.htm 
 
• Stone Age
• Stone Age Reference Collection, University of Oslo, Norway 

Visit this online resource for information on the Stone Age typology, technology, and raw materials. 
http://www.hf.uio.no/iakk/roger/lithic/sarc.html 
• Raw Materials

Explore the different types of rocks used in the Stone Age and their properties.
http://www.hf.uio.no/iakk/roger/lithic/materials.html
• The First Miners, University of California

This web page provides information on the first Stone Age miners and traders. 
http://www-geology.ucdavis.edu/~GEL115/115CH2.html
 
• Bronze Age 

• The Bronze Age, University of California

Visit this university's web page to access information on the Bronze Age, the source of the materials that gave it its name, mining, and much more.
http://www-geology.ucdavis.edu/~GEL115/115CH4.html
 
• Iron Age 
• The Age of Iron, University of California

This site provides information on humans' use of iron, as well as techniques used for smelting this metal.
http://www-geology.ucdavis.edu/~GEL115/115CH5.html 

  Investigation 2 --  Properties of Materials To learn more about the nature of materials, visit the following web sites:

• What are atoms?
• All About Atoms - Jefferson Lab

Follow this link for an introduction of atoms. 
http://education.jlab.org/atomtour
• What is an element? 

• Element, Chem4kids.com

This resource provides an explanation of chemical elements as well as provides links to 18 easy-to-understand elements.. 
http://www.chem4kids.com/files/elem_intro.html
• What are elements?, National Grid for Learning

This online resource offers basic information on the size of atoms. It also provides an online glossary for terms that may be unknown to the reader. Visit the web pages that follow to extend your knowledge on atoms (i.e., "How can you tell the difference between atoms of different elements? What is atomic number?"). To access more (3.1) or less (1.1) advanced web sites on the subject, see the bottom of the page.
http://www.sciencenet.org.uk/database/Chemistry/StructBond/c00196b.html
 
• What is a solid? 
• What is the difference between a solid, a liquid and a gas?, National Grid for Learning

Information offered at this location includes the basic characteristics of solids, liquids, and gases an online glossary. Pages such as "How do the particles of solids, liquids and gases behave differently?" (2.2) , "Why do some solids float and others sink?" (2.3) provide helpful information to follow up the concepts of solids, liquids, and gases. If you wish to access more (3.1) or less (1.1) advanced web sites see the bottom of the page.
http://www.sciencenet.org.uk/database/Chemistry/StructBond/c00193b.html
 
• Solid Basics

Investigate the basic properties of solids (i.e., atomic arrangement, freezing point, and crystal structure) by surfing this site. It also provides illustrations to help you understand how solids hold their shape.
http://www.chem4kids.com/files/matter_solid.html 
 

To learn more about the properties of matter, visit the following web sites:
 

• Physical properties 
Density
• Density of Minerals

Visit this online resource to access information on the instruments and formulas used to determine the density of minerals. This web page also serves as a mineralogy database that offers density information in two tables: metallic minerals and nonmetallic minerals. 
http://webmineral.com/help/Density.shtml 
 
Electrical Conductivity
• Water on the Web: Understanding Electrical Conductivity, National Science Foundation

Visit this web site to learn about the science of electrical conductivity and its importance. 
It provides an interactive glossary that makes learning the basics easier.
http://wow.nrri.umn.edu/wow/under/parameters/conductivity.html
• Electrical Conductivity: Measuring Salts in Water, EPA

Discover the variables that affect electrical conductivity by clicking here. This site also offers the salt content in the water of major lakes around the US.
http://lakeaccess.org/russ/conductivity.htm
• What causes different types of materials to conduct heat at different rates? Mad Science Network

The second paragraph of this discussion reveals the nature of electrical conductivity in 
metals vs. nonmetals, such as salts, oxides, etc.
http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/feb98/885153825.Ph.r.html 
 
Ductility and Malleability
• Physical and Chemical Properties of Metals , ETH Research Lab

Discover the meanings of "ductile" and "malleable" and why these are important properties.
http://www.education.eth.net/acads/chemistry/metals&nonmetals-II.htm 
• Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals Table , Design Technology Department

This site provides information on the physical properties of metals. Metals are arranged by name, composition, properties, and uses.
http://www3.mistral.co.uk/a.davies/CDT10metalsproperties.htm
 
Magnetic Properties
• Electrical and Magnetic Properties , University of Texas

An overview of the magnetic nature of minerals and technical information on different types of magnetic minerals is presented at this site. 
http://www.tmm.utexas.edu/npl/mineralogy/science_of_minerals/electric_magnet_properties.htm 
 
Thermal Conductivity
• Thermal Conductivity Science, Hukseflux Thermal Sensors
Learn the basics of measuring thermal conductivity by clicking measurement primarily focusing on soils and granular materials. It also offers a list of conductivity measurements for common household goods such as water, olive oil, cotton, cork, wood, and leather by the orders of magnitude.
http://www.hukseflux.com/thermal%20conductivity/thermal.htm

  Investigation 3 -- Mixing Materials

To learn more about mixtures, visit the following web sites: Chemical Mixtures vs. Physical Mixtures
• Mixtures, Northwestern State University 

Get a basic introducation to mixtures by surfing this site. Visualizations of mixtures and links to related information on this site. An online glossary, applications, and a quiz are offered, too. 
http://www.spacesciencegroup.nsula.edu/lessons/defaultie.asp?Theme=mixtures&PageName
=mixtures
• Chemical and Physical Change, Northwestern State University

Access online videos of chemical and physical mixing by clicking on this link. 
http://www.spacesciencegroup.nsula.edu/lessons/defaultie.asp?Theme=chemistry&PageName=
chemicalchange


To learn more about alloys, their properties, and uses, visit the following web sites:

• Composition of Common Alloys, Northwestern State University

A list of some common alloys and their component metals are available here.
http://www.spacesciencegroup.nsula.edu/lessons/defaultie.asp?Theme=&PageName=commonalloys
• Alloys, Northwestern State University

Download a video on the use of alloys in space missions, as well as learn about the properties of
alloys and how they are made.
http://www.spacesciencegroup.nsula.edu/lessons/defaultie.asp?Theme=&PageName=alloys

To learn more about the concrete and cement resources, visit the following web sites:

The Relationship between Concrete and Cement

• Concrete Basics, Portland Cement Association

A wide range of information on concrete (i.e., components, hydration processes, and its different forms) is accessible to users by visiting this site. 
http://www.portcement.org/cb/concretebasics_concretebasics.asp
• History and Manufacture of Portland Cement

Discover portland cement's history, components, production, as well as its relationship to concrete.
http://www.portcement.org/CB/concretebasics_history.asp
• Ellie Mae's Ce-ment Pond Quiz

Review your understanding of cement and concrete by taking this online quiz.
http://www.portcement.org/CB/concretebasics_pondquiz.asp 

  Investigation 4 -- Minerals and Rocks

To learn more about properties of minerals used in identification, visit the following web sites:

1. Types of Minerals 

• Minerals by Name, The Mineral Gallery 

Full color images of minerals along with descriptions of physical properties, history of discovery, and more are offered at this site. 
http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/by-name.htm
• Alphabetical Mineral Reference, University of Wisconsin 

Click on the first letter of a mineral you are interested in researching to access the mineral's chemical formula, common colors, luster, hardness, specific gravity, cleavage, and other properties. 
http://www.geology.wisc.edu/~jill/glossary2.html
• Minerals by Physical and Optical Properties, Mineral Database 

Minerals are listed according to hardness, streak, luster, density, and cleavage and fracture at this web page. Click on the property to view a mineral list. You can then click on individual minerals to view more information and images. 
http://webmineral.com/determin.shtml Hardness
• The Hardness of Minerals and Rocks 

Learn about mineral hardness at this page. Also, view the traditional scale of hardness commonly used by miners.
http://www.rockhounds.com/rockshop/hardness1.html
• Mineral Hardness

This site defines hardness and provides an interactive table showing Moh's relative hardness scale whereby you can explore the unique properties of many minerals traditionally used in this scale. 
http://webmineral.com/help/Density.shtml

Moh's Scale
This graphically-enhanced collection rank minerals according to hardness using Moh's scale. It also provides links if you wish to find more about specific minerals and their properties.
http://www.gwydir.demon.co.uk/JO/minerals/hardness.htm 
 

Color 
• Color in Minerals

Explore the three common terms used to identify the coloration of minerals. An interactive table of minerals (sorted by color) and information on individual minerals are also offered at this page.
http://webmineral.com/help/Color.shtml
• Color, NASA

See for yourself why color is not always a good indicator of a mineral by this link. 
http://geology.csupomona.edu/alert/mineral/color.htm
 
Luster
• Mineral Luster, James Madison University

Access pictures of minerals possessing metallic, shiny, glassy, and earthy lusters at this site.
http://geollab.jmu.edu/Fichter/Minerals/luster.html
 
Streak
• Streak

Are you searching for a visualization of what the streak of a mineral looks like? If your answer is yes, then click here. A link (http://www.cobweb.net/~bug2/flowchart.JPG) is provided at the bottom of the page to a flow chart that may be useful in identifying minerals based on variety of attributes including streak. 
http://www.cobweb.net/~bug2/rock4.htm#STREAK
• Streak, NASA

Explore examples of streak and streak color for a few common minerals by exploring this site.
http://geology.csupomona.edu/alert/mineral/streak.htm 


Specific Gravity

• What is specific gravity?, Amethyst Galleries, Inc.

To learn more about specific gravity and how it is used as a tool to identify minerals from one another, visit this site. It provides two lists of specific gravity values for minerals, one for nonmetallic and the other for metallic minerals.
http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/density.htm
• Specific Gravity, NASA

This site offers a clear and concise definition of specific gravity as well as offers a quick way of determining its value.
http://geology.csupomona.edu/alert/mineral/gravity.htm

Notes On Specific Gravity
Are you looking for a more advanced resource on specific gravity? If so, look no farther. This site include information on the history of thought on specific gravity, how it is calculated, and causes of error in its calculation. 
http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/nenam/gravity.htm

Cleavage
• Fracture and Cleavage

A basic overview of fracture and cleavage is available here. It provides visualizations that may help you understand how to identify cleavage.
http://www.cobweb.net/~bug2/rock4.htm#FC

What is crystal cleavage?, Amethyst Galleries, Inc.
A more in depth look into fracture and cleavage is provided in this site. Information is offered on the relationship between cleavage and crystal shape as well as strategies for recognizing mineral cleavage. It also provides an online photo gallery of minerals and includes information on the various types of cleavage each mineral possesses.
http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/cleavage.htm 

Crystal Shape
• Minerals, Crystals and Their Systems

Conceptualizing crystalline structures of minerals can be difficult. Visit this site for an introductory look into this science. 
http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/nenam/mineral.htm
 
Other properties 
• The Fluorescent Minerals 

Do you know why some minerals tend to glow when the lights are off? Explore this site to learn about the emission of light by minerals. 
http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/property/fluoresc.htm

Mineral Striations
Visit this site to learn about mineral striations and what these striations indicate.
http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/property/striatio.htm
 

To learn more about mineral distribution, visit the following web sites:

• U.S. Mine and Mineral Processing Plant Locations (Other than crushed stone, sand and gravel, and common clay), USGS 
• Two map types are available for download here: one is a low-resolution GIF image of the entire US with the mine and mineral processing locations marked and the other is a high-resolution, twelve-tile mosaic featuring the same information. 

http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/mapdata/minesmap.gif
• The site also provides maps on agricultural minerals operations, coal mines and facilities, construction minerals operations, excluding crushed stone, sand and gravel, and common clay, and others. 

http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/mapdata/#commap 

To learn more about mixtures, visit the following web sites:
 
• Mixture Basics, Andrew Rader Studios

Click here to access an overview of mixtures. This page uses both the contents within concrete and seawater to demonstrate properties of a "mixture".
http://www.chem4kids.com/files/matter_mixture.html
• Brief Outline of Molecular Mixtures, Poseidon Software and Invention

The three types of mixtures (suspension, colloidal, and solution) are briefly outlined on this web page.
http://www.psinvention.com/mixtures.htm
• Mixtures and Compounds

Discover the differences between mixtures and compounds by visiting this page. It also provides information on the properties of mixtures and compounds and mixture separation. 
http://www.ultranet.com/~jkimball/BiologyPages/M/Mixtures.html

  Investigation 5 -- Mineral Exploration

 
To learn more about the equipment used to detect mineral deposits, visit the following web sites: Ore deposits 

Shallow ore deposits/mining

• Mining, an overview, Specialists in the Protection of Risks, LTD

Section 1.2 provides information on the various aspects of surface mining methods. This includes quarrying, open pit, dredging, and hydraulic mining.
http://www.specialistsinrisks.com/Popups/mining1.htm 


Deep ore deposits/mining 

• Discovering Australia's mineral deposits, Australian Academy of Science

Read this article to learn about techniques used for mining deep ore deposits.
http://www.science.org.au/nova/027/027box03.htm
• Mining and Mineral Resources, USGS

Discover the locations of the most common metallic minerals mined in the world, such as copper, gold, silver, lead, and zinc by visiting this site.
http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Glossary/MineralResources/description_mineral_resources.html


Mining Methods 

Gravity Method

• Gravity Method, New Jersey Geological Survey

Are you curious how th gravity method is used? Then follow this link to find out. Also, view actual data driven by a gravimeter.
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/njgs/geophys/grav.htm
• The Gravity Geophysical Method, NM Bureau of Mines and Mineral Resources

This site provides information on the general use of the gravimeter. Learn how this instrument is used on the surface of the moon. Also view data derived from this instrument regarding the densities of lunar rocks.
http://geoinfo.nmt.edu/penguins/gravity_method.html
 
Magnetic Method 
• Magnetic Method, New Jersey Geological Survey

Magnetometers are important tools for locating minerals. Explore this site to learn how these are used.
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/njgs/geophys/mag.htm
• Magnetic Method, Geovision

Scientists uncover buried iron objects using the magnetic method. This site provides a good overview of how this method works.
www.geovision.com/PDF/M_Magnetic.PDF
(NOTE:  Adobe Reader is needed to view this document.  Please click here or visit http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html to download the latest, FREE version.)
 
Seismic Method
• Seismic Methods, New Jersey Geological Survey

Find out how acoustic waves propagating through the subsurface of the Earth can reveal important data for determining locations of mineral deposits. This site explores seismic refraction and seismic reflection methods.
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/njgs/geophys/seis.htm

To learn more about the economic value of minerals, visit the following web sites:

• Mineral Industry Surveys (MIS), USGS

This site offers periodic statistical and economic publications on production, distribution, stocks, and consumption of significant mineral commodities. These publications are issued monthly, quarterly, or annually for commodities and annually for various states and countries. You can search the Alphabetical Index for a particular mineral or the entire list of minerals. 
http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/mis.html
(NOTE:  Adobe Reader is needed to view this document.  Please click here or visit http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html to download the latest, FREE version.)
• International Minerals Statistics and Information, USGS

The USGS provides information on the mineral industry of other countries. This site offers links to yearly data, as well as mineral location maps for a variety of countries within the following regions: Africa and the Middle East, Asia, the Pacific, Europe, Central Eurasia, North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. 
International Maps - http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/country/maps/
International Data - http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/country/ 

To learn more about mineral explorations, visit the following web sites:

• Start a Mine, Canada's Natural Resources, Minerals and Metals Sector

This is an interactive site created to engage the users in the mining cycle, beginning with claim staking and continuing through operations, to the closure of the site, and finally its rehabilitation. Additional information on mineral exploration is also available. 
http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/mms/wealth/mine/english/start-e.htm
• The Future of the Mining Industry in Western Australia, The Exploration Council of the Chamber of Mines and Energy of Western Australia, Inc.

An in-depth view of mineral exploration in W. Australia is offered here. You will explore the issues connected with the exploration, mining, and mineral processing industries in this region.
http://www.mineralswa.asn.au/~cmeminex/page1.html

  Investigation 6 -- Extracting Minerals

Determining the appropriate mineral extraction methods can be tricky. Explore these web sites to learn about common separation methods based on the physical or chemical characteristics of the ore and its surrounding material:

• Ore Processing

 
• Ore Processing

Methods used to separate minerals from their host rock are explored at this site.
library.thinkquest.org/50041/chemistry/oreprocessing1.shtml
 
• What are tailings? Are they Dangerous? 

 
• Uranium Mill Tailings in the Colorado River Basin, The Glen Canyon Institute

Research this article to learn about the buried uranium tailings at Lake Powell. 
http://www.glencanyon.org/news/newsletter/issue5/hp5uraniumtailings.htm 
• New World Gold Mine and Yellowstone National Park, National Library for the Environment

Investigate the potential hazards of developing mineral deposits located near Yellowstone National Park.
http://www.cnie.org/nle/crsreports/mining/mine-9.cfm
• TED Case Studies: Mining in Papua (New Guinea) , American University

The focus of this study is the environmental effects of the mineral resources development in Papua, New Guinea. Learn why local residents, particularly those of the Bougainville region, have taken to armed resistance to protest the mining industry.
http://www.american.edu/ted/PAPUA.HTM 
 

To learn about characteristics of deep mines, visit the following web sites:

• Shaft Sinkers

View annotated pictures of deep mining projects at this site.
http://www.shaftsinkers.co.za/past_projects.html
• Shirebrook Colliery Mine, Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental Protection

Visit this site to read about a miner's first day working in a deep mine. 
http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/minres/dms/dms.htm

There are human health problems associated with some methods of mining. Visit the following web sites to learn more:

• Forum: Environmental Health Perspectives, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

Explore critical issues regarding the health of miners. Information on the hazards of mines as well as consequential health conditions of mining over time are offered at this site.
http://ehpnet1.niehs.nih.gov/docs/1998/106-11/forum.html
• Diesel Emissions from Underground Minds, NSW Mineral Council

Did you know that there are health hazards associated with emissions from diesel engines inside deep mines is offered? Click here to learn more.
http://www.minerals.nsw.gov.au/safety/msn4/msn4_8.pdf 
(NOTE:  Adobe Reader is needed to view this document.  Please click here or visit http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html to download the latest, FREE version.)
• The Environment Matters

Miners are victims to a variety of occupational hazards. Read the information provided on this page to get an overview of the different types and frequency of hazards the workers of one company have experienced.
http://www.outokumpu.fi/group/enviro7.htm 

  Investigation 7 -- Tracing a Material to its Source

To learn more about household objects that are made of mined materials, visit the following web sites:
• Minerals and Metals at Home!, Canada's Natural Resources

Click on the "Take the Tour" button to begin your interactive investigation of the minerals that make
up common household items. You can even test your knowledge by clicking on the "Take the Test" button.
http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/mms/wealth/intro-e.htm
• Our Hidden Treasures..., Canada's Natural Resources, Minerals and Metals Sector

Discover the variety of household uses for minerals, including entertainment, travel, communications, and more by exploring this site. 
http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/mms/week/treas-e.htm
 
To learn more about household objects that are made of grown materials, visit the following web sites:
• Plant/Crop-Based Renewable Resources 2020, US Dept. of Energy

For an in-depth look at the past and future uses as well as new initiatives for plant/crop-based renewable resources, visit this site.
www.sc.doe.gov/production/bes/eb/Publications/vision2020.pdf 
(NOTE:  Adobe Reader is needed to view this document.  Please click here or visit http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html to download the latest, FREE version.)
• Biobased Chemicals and Materials, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network (EREN)

Visit this web site to explore the basics of products, applications, and technology generated by biomass resources.
http://www.eren.doe.gov/RE/bio_chemicals.html

Renewable Bioproducts, Office of Industrial Technology, EREN
You will find a basic list of products made from renewable energy sources at this site. It offers information on current use of plant resources for industrial products, and cost comparisons for hydrocarbons vs. plants.
http://www.oit.doe.gov/agriculture/renewable_bioproducts.shtml

Resources:

• Minerals and Materials Information CD-ROM, USGS

http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/mmi_cd.html

Web Sites:

• Stone Age Mining and Processing , University of California

http://www-geology.ucdavis.edu/~GEL115/115stonelinks.html 
• Bronze Age Artifacts from International Locations

http://www-geology.ucdavis.edu/~GEL115/bronze.html
• United States Geological Survey (USGS) home page 

http://www.usgs.gov
• USGS Mineral Resources Program home page 

http://minerals.usgs.gov/
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) home page 

http://www.epa.gov/ 
• Mineralogical Society of America home page 

http://www.minsocam.org/ 
American Geophysical Union (AGU) Science for Everyone page
http://www.agu.org/sci_soc/everyone.html 
• The Friends of Mineralogy home page 

http://www.indiana.edu/~minerals/fm.html
• National Mining Association home page 

http://www.nma.org/
• Society of Exploration Geophysics home page 

http://www.seg.org/ 
• Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network

http://www.eren.doe.gov/

Maps:

• Geologic maps: State and local: 
• The United States Geological Survey National Geologic Map Database contains information on how and where to obtain geologic maps. (http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/) 
• Your state Geological Survey - find your state survey on-line at Association of American State Geologists (http://www.kgs.ukans.edu/AASG/AASG.html). 
• Download state geologic maps at About.com's site.  (http://geology.about.com/science/geology/cs/geomapsusstates/) 
• Reading Geologic Maps - informative review on how to read and interpret geologic maps.  (http://geology.about.com/science/geology/library/weekly/aa100800a.htm) 
• Geologic maps: Regional (two or more states): 
• The on-line bookstore of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (http://bookstore.AAPG.org; 918-584-2555) 
• Topographic maps: Local 
• The United States Geological Survey MapFinder allows you to order 7.5 minute maps online for $4 per map plus $5 s/h per order. (http://edc.usgs.gov/Webglis/glisbin/finder_main.pl?dataset_name=MAPS_LARGE) 
• The United States Geological Survey maintains a list of Map Dealers.  Click on your state to obtain a list of retailers who sell maps. (http://mapping.usgs.gov/esic/map_dealers/) 
• The United States Geological Survey National Geologic Map Database site on How to find topographic maps (http://ngmsvr.wr.usgs.gov/Other_Resources/rdb_topo.html) 
• TopoZone site allows you to download topographic maps (including USGS maps) for free, at various scales (from 1:100,000 to 1:24,000).  (http://www.topozone.com/) 
 
• General Map Resources: 
• An excellent list of map resources available online can be found on the Central Michigan University Resources for Earth Science and Geography Instruction web site.  Included are links to sites to make maps, as well as links to free downloadable outline maps, satellite imagery, GPS, and GIS databases. (http://personal.cmich.edu/~franc1m/locamap.htm) 
• "Maps" - USGS Earth Science Information Center, includes general map information, from how to read maps to how to obtain them.  Also includes links to further information regarding topographic, thematic, planetary maps, and more. (http://ask.usgs.gov/maps.html) 
• National Geographic (maps and videos): 1-800-962-1643 (http://www.nationalgeographic.com/maps/index.html) 
• "Maps of the United States" - USGS fact sheet, contains a series of depictions of the United States, along with information on how to obtain additional US maps. (http://www.usgs.gov/fact-sheets/maps-us/index.html) 
• "Maps of the World" - USGS fact sheet, contains a series of world maps, including outline maps,

seismicity maps, and political maps.  Also contains information for ordering more specific world maps. (http://www.usgs.gov/fact-sheets/maps-world/maps-world.html)
• "National Atlas Maps" - USGS site of a variety of US maps that are available online, including 

shaded relief maps, aquifer maps, and further information on how to order maps not available online.
  (http://www-atlas.usgs.gov/atlasmap.html?)
• Simkin, Tom, et al., 1994, This Dynamic Planet: World Map of Volcanoes, Earthquakes, Impact

Craters, and Plate Tectonic, published by the US Geological Survey, Reston, VA.
• Age of the Ocean Floor, World Data Center for Marine Geology & Geophysics, Boulder. 
• U. S. Geological Survey Earthquake Maps 

Videos:

• The following videos, which are available in English and French, are distributed

by:

International Tele-Film Enterprises Ltd.
5090 Explorer Drive
Suite 301
Mississauga, Ontario
L4W 4T9
Tel: (905) 629-3133, 1-800-561-4300
Fax: (905) 629-1211 
 

• Mining and Minerals Vignettes (23 minutes, 17 seconds): 

1- Exploring for Minerals (4:20)
2- Panning for gold (2:57)
3- Exploration geologists (3:42)
4- Underground mining (3:00)
5- Surface mining (3:40)
6- Mining gypsum (3:03)
7- Mining potash (3:03)
Target audience: High school and university students, general public. 
 
• Geoscience Mapping (4 minutes, 30 seconds): 

This video looks into the study and application of geoscience, identification of
mineral resources and geological mapping provide a base for the mineral
industry of Atlantic Canada. Target audience: High school students and general public.
 
• Minerals and Their Properties (VLC027), Visual Learning Company 

(PH) 800-453 -8481 or email info@visuallearningco.com. 
This 20-minute video addresses the following concepts and terminology: inorganic, luster, streak, color, cleavage and fracture, specific gravity, hardness, Mohs scale, ore, metals, and gemstones. It includes a 15-question video review, 30-page Teacher’s Guide with 10 Student Masters, closed captioned ©2001 $89.95 http://www.visuallearningco.com/minerals_and_their_properties.htm
 
• Education Videos include: Common Ground, Out of the Rock, Let's Do Mineral Science, Let's Do Mineral Science by Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration

$10 each + shipping and handling.
PH: 303-973-9550 and 800-763-3132 · FAX: 303-973-3845
8307 Shaffer Parkway, PO Box 277002, Littleton, CO 80127
http://www.smenet.org/store/education_videos.cfm?#Session.URLToken#

Books:
Magazines:

• Geotimes, AGI

 This magazine reviews current issues in the Earth Sciences and can serve as a valuable supplemental resource for teachers and students alike.  Visit the web site for online articles and information about obtaining a one-year subscription (40% discount for AGI Member Society members; 65% discount for students).  http://www.geotimes.org/current/