The Big Question for this Minequest:

How can individuals and industries tread lightly on our planet and still maintain the lifestyles we all require or enjoy?

A poster hangs on a wall, showing Garfield the cat dreaming, “I want to leave pawprints on the sands of time.” Given Garfield’s preference for sleeping and eating rather than working or even playing, history doesn’t have much to worry about. But, every day we all leave our pawprints on the sands of time. Man has left permanent and significant imprints on our planet, some as constructive as others are destructive. A project which originated with the National Forest Service entitled “Tread Lightly” provides the theme for this Minequest. You will visit a website describing the project. Then, you will apply the concept of “Treading Lightly” to other aspects of individual decision-making and mining industry practice.

But first ...

Task #1: As a team, brainstorm a list of man’s inventions or modern conveniences that have had major impacts on the way we live. Circle all the inventions on your list that, as a team, you agree you couldn’t live without. Divide the circled items on your list among your team members.

Task #2: For the invention(s) or convenience(s) you have been assigned by your team, make a chart on your own showing
a. the benefits provided to mankind
b. other conveniences or inventions that are dependent on the invention/convenience
c. the risks, hazards or negative effects which the invention/convenience has brought to individuals, communities or the environment

Task #3: As a team, meet back to discuss your charts.

Moving on ...

Take your charts to Mining Information.

EXPLORATION

MINING

PROCESSING

PRODUCT

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