Title: Exploring Mineral Riches: Unveiling the Hidden Treasures Below

Grade Level: High School (9th-12th grade)

Subject: Geography/Earth Science

Duration: 3-4 class periods (45-60 minutes each)

Objectives: 1. Students will understand the concept of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and satellite mapping. 2. Students will learn how to use online maps and known geological data to explore areas for potential mineral riches. 3. Students will analyze the historical changes in landscapes and communities over time. 4. Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through hands-on activities.

Materials: - Computers or tablets with internet access - Projector or smartboard - Online mapping tools (e.g., Google Earth, ArcGIS Online) - Geological maps and data - Worksheets and handouts (see below)

Procedure:

Day 1: Introduction to GIS and Satellite Mapping 1. Begin the lesson by discussing the importance of minerals and their role in society. 2. Introduce the concept of GIS and satellite mapping, explaining how these technologies can help explore areas for potential mineral riches. 3. Show examples of online maps and satellite imagery, highlighting their features and capabilities. 4. Demonstrate how to use online mapping tools (e.g., Google Earth) to explore different areas and layers of information. 5. Assign students to explore an area of their choice using online maps and satellite imagery, focusing on identifying potential mineral-rich regions. 6. Provide a worksheet with guiding questions to help students analyze the geological features and potential mineral deposits in their chosen area.

Day 2: Analyzing Geological Data 1. Review the concepts of geological maps and data. 2. Provide students with geological maps and data for their chosen area (either printed or digital). 3. Instruct students to analyze the geological data and identify areas with potential mineral deposits. 4. Encourage students to compare their findings with the online maps and satellite imagery from the previous day. 5. Facilitate a class discussion where students share their observations and interpretations of the geological data. 6. Assign students to create a visual representation (e.g., annotated map, infographic) of their findings, highlighting potential mineral-rich regions.

Day 3: Exploring Historic Communities and Landscape Changes 1. Introduce the concept of landscape changes over time and its impact on communities. 2. Discuss the importance of understanding historical landscapes in identifying potential mineral-rich regions. 3. Provide students with historical maps, photographs, or documents of their chosen area. 4. Instruct students to compare the historical maps and documents with the current online maps and satellite imagery. 5. Guide students to identify changes in land use, community development, and potential impacts on mineral exploration. 6. Facilitate a class discussion where students share their findings and insights on the historical landscape changes. 7. Assign students to write a short reflection or essay on how the landscape and its use have changed over time and its implications for mineral exploration.

Day 4: Culminating Activity 1. Divide students into small groups. 2. Instruct each group to choose a different area of the country and apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout the lesson. 3. Provide students with a set of guiding questions to explore their chosen area, considering geological data, satellite imagery, and historical maps. 4. Each group should present their findings to the class, highlighting potential mineral-rich regions and discussing the historical landscape changes. 5. Encourage class discussion and critical analysis of the presented findings. 6. Conclude the lesson by summarizing the importance of GIS systems and satellite mapping in exploring potential mineral riches and understanding landscape changes.

Assessment: - Completion and accuracy of worksheets and handouts - Quality of visual representation of geological findings - Reflection or essay on landscape changes and their implications for mineral exploration - Group presentation and participation in class discussion