Texas Mining and Reclamation Teacher Workshops

Sponsored by
Texas Mining and Reclamation Association

Information Contact:
Francye Hutchins
Texas Mining and Reclamation Association
816 Congress Avenue, Suite 1900, Austin, TX 78701
Email: geowiz@austin.rr.com

Multi-discipline
Many of the units cross academic boundaries:
" Surveying, contouring and measuring for math
" English teachers can use writing topics
" Environmental issues for social studies and environmental teachers
" Even the history of mining and the development of reclamation process through the years can be used by the history teacher

Hands-on Experience
" There is nothing like first hand experience to add to the validity of the information you present to your students. You saw it, you did it, and you can talk about it because you were there. Participate in field work as well as classroom activities.

Great Classroom Activities
Actually do basic steps required in evaluating, planning, and designing a lignite mine. Experience the processes involved in planning and carrying out land restoration. The objective of each curriculum unit is to
provide an opportunity to learn and then apply knowledge to a real problem.

Curriculum
The curriculum is designed to be used in grades 4 thru 12. All activities are TEKS and TAKS correlated.

Tour an Operating Mine

See how resources are removed from the earth and how they are used.
Collect Samples
Take samples to your classroom that you gathered yourself to share with your students.

See Actual Restoration of Mined Lands

Participate in activities focusing on reclamation, such as ground and surface water, soils, wildlife habitat and native species restoration.

Professional Development:
40 hours TEEAC credit.
45 hours SBEC approved credit.
12 hours Gifted & Talented credit.

Cost
All of the teacher's expenses except transportation are paid.
The participants receive the curriculum and database, geologic samples, and additional materials/equipment needed.
If selected to attend, we require a $25 reservation deposit, which is refunded upon arrival at the workshop.

Teachers Who've Been There Said:
"Thank you very much for the wonderful, educational experience this summer. Teachers rarely get useful, positive opportunities like this one!"

"I just wanted to say thank you for a wonderful week of educational information and relaxation. I've been to many programs and this is the best."

"I can't say thank you enough for the Resources and the Environment workshop. I enjoyed the active learning
labs; actual hands-on experience is the best learning tool of all."

"I never enjoyed teaching earth science, but after attending the R&E workshop, suddenly the earth
sciences came alive for me."