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Virginia’s <strong>Mineral</strong> <strong>Resources</strong><br />
Organizing Topic Investigating Natural <strong>Resources</strong><br />
Overview<br />
Students name mineral resources found in Virginia and list ways they are used.<br />
Related Standards of Learning 4.8c<br />
Objectives<br />
The students should be able to<br />
• recognize the importance of Virginia’s mineral resources, including coal, limestone, granite,<br />
sand, and gravel.<br />
Materials needed<br />
• Sample products made from Virginia’s mineral resources<br />
• K-W-L chart<br />
• Chart paper<br />
• Research materials<br />
• Internet access<br />
Instructional activity<br />
Content/Teacher Notes<br />
Coal is mined in the mountains of the southwestern part of the state. Limestone and granite are dug<br />
from deep pits called “quarries” and are used as building materials. Sand and gravel are also dug from<br />
pits and are used in building and road construction.<br />
Introduction<br />
1. Display products made from mineral resources found in Virginia, and have students name the<br />
resources used in the production of each. Write the student-generated list on chart paper, and post<br />
it on the wall.<br />
Procedure<br />
1. Give each student a K-W-L chart. Have them fill in the “K” part regarding Virginia’s mineral<br />
resources. Then, ask what they would like to learn, and tell them to fill in the “W” part. Tell<br />
students they will be researching mineral products that are found in Virginia.<br />
2. Allow students to use trade books, encyclopedias, and computers to conduct research on what<br />
mineral resources are mined in Virginia and what uses these minerals have. They should include<br />
the following:<br />
• Coal — energy<br />
• Limestone — foundations, sidewalks, filling for the back of carpet, reservoirs for<br />
groundwater and ore deposits, cement, building stone, concrete aggregate, agricultural lime<br />
• Granite — building and ornamental stone, aggregate, countertops<br />
• Sand — aggregate, concrete and masonry uses, glass, septic tanks, riverbeds, mortar, manmade<br />
building stone<br />
• Gravel — aggregate, concrete and masonry uses, driveways, roads
Observations and Conclusions<br />
1. Once again, display the products made from mineral resources found in Virginia, and have<br />
students name the resources used in the production of each. Compare this list to the one produced<br />
earlier.<br />
2. Have students complete the “L” part of their chart.<br />
Sample assessment<br />
• Have students choose one of Virginia’s mineral resources and explain how it is used and why<br />
Virginia’s resources are important.<br />
<strong>Resources</strong><br />
• Virginia Department of Mines, <strong>Mineral</strong>s and Energy. http://www.mme.state.va.us/.<br />
• United States Geological Survey. http://www.usgs.gov/.
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