Faculty Scholarly Dissemination Grants
Teaching Basic Mineralogy and Map Skills while Searching for a Diamond Deposit
Department
Geology
College
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Date Range
2011-2012
Abstract
During this hands-on activity participants will identify common minerals associated with diamonds to model how geologists locate new deposits. A suite of common minerals can be identified by characteristics such as color, hardness, cleavage, and luster. Participants determine the minerals and rock fragments in a sample and use the results to design an exploration program. Careful, correct work adds efficiency; mistakes cost funds and lead to bankruptcy. After training, skilled workers can find the deposit after only four samples. Participants use a realistic map to move towards the source of the diamonds. We compare the exercise to real deposits. The activity includes team work, map skills, deductive reasoning, and economics. Participants will identify common minerals associated with diamonds to model how geologists locate new deposits. Activity includes team work, map skills, deductive reasoning, and economics.
Conference Name
National Science Teachers Association National Conference in Indianapolis, IN
Conference Location
Indianapolis, IN
ScholarWorks Citation
Mattox, Stephen and Ketelaar, Jessica, "Teaching Basic Mineralogy and Map Skills while Searching for a Diamond Deposit" (2011). Faculty Scholarly Dissemination Grants. 353.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/fsdg/353
