Earth's Mineral Resources and Mining

Year 7 Science Understanding our planet's valuable materials WALT: Describe why mineral resources are non-renewable and explain metal extraction

Hook: What's In Your World?

Look at these everyday items: 📱 Mobile phone 🚗 Car 🏢 Building 💻 Laptop Think and discuss: What materials are these made from? Where do these materials come from?

Activate Prior Knowledge

Let's check what you already know: What is a natural resource? What is a non-renewable resource? Can minerals be replaced quickly? Discuss your answers with a partner

What Are Natural Resources?

Materials that come from Earth Used for making products and providing energy Essential for life (water, oxygen, sunlight) Two main types: • Renewable: can be replaced (timber, sunlight) • Non-renewable: limited and can run out (minerals, fossil fuels)

Earth's Mineral Resources

Minerals are found in Earth's crust Metals come from minerals called ORES Mineral resources are NON-RENEWABLE Why? They take MILLIONS of years to form Once extracted, they cannot be quickly replaced

Types of Mining

{"left":"OPEN-CUT MINING\nSurface mining\nRemoves layers of soil and rock\nUsed when ore is close to surface\nLarge machinery and trucks\nExamples: coal, iron ore","right":"UNDERGROUND MINING\nDeep below ground\nTunnels and shafts\nUsed when ore is deep\nMore dangerous\nExamples: gold, diamonds"}

The Three Stages of Metal Extraction

Reading and Research Task

Read JacPlus 6.2 – Earth's Mineral Resources Focus on finding key information about: • What minerals and ores are • Why minerals are non-renewable • How ore minerals are found • Types of mining methods Highlight important keywords as you read

Knowledge Check Tasks

Complete these tasks: Task 1: Explain why minerals are non-renewable Task 2: Multiple choice - Which statement about ore minerals is correct? Task 3: Compare underground vs open-cut mining dangers Task 4: Create a table showing the 3 stages of metal extraction Work individually, then discuss with your partner

Reflect and Evaluate

Choose ONE question to answer: 💎 What did you learn about minerals today? ⛏️ Why is mining important for our society? ⚠️ What is one risk or challenge of mining? Write 3-4 sentences explaining your thoughts