3
The Geosphere
104
A
t the beginning of the unit, the objectives are already
established and they should be linked to the learning
outcomes. Students will have a clear idea about the topics
as well as what they will learn throughout the unit.
Before playing the video, ask questions so that the students can
think about them while watching it. It is a very useful way to
check if students understood the explanations that appear in the
video.
Video:
LITHIUM FOR PETROLEUM
The video is about the materials extracted from the geosphere
and the use of them nowadays in developed countries. Play until
minute 4:50.
After watching the video, discuss the following and elicit answers
from the students.
Jules Verne, in his book called Journey to the centre of the Earth,
explains how the interior of the Earth was.
❚
What do you think the Earth is like in its interior? Could
we travel there?
No, because the temperature and the pressure in the interior of
the Earth are unbearable to humans.
Minerals are widely used for jewelry as precious stones after a
process of cutting and polishing.
❚
What qualities make some minerals so appreciated by
people?
The main qualities are the hardness, the lustre and the colour as
well as the transparency.
Rocks are used for construction.
❚
What else can rocks be used for?
Rocks also have ornamental uses and can be used as fossil fuels
or as a source of minerals for technological uses.
Superficial extractions are more profitable than subterranean
extractions.
❚
Why do you think it’s important to manage mineral
resources responsibly?
Because superficial extractions have a great impact on the
environment, killing all living things in the area.
❚
What can you see in the photo? Where do you think it is?
PRESENTATION
Use the slideshow presentation to show the different sections in
the unit and to evaluate student’s prior knowledge. This tool can
also be used as revision at the end. The slides can stimulate student
participation, as they can be asked about certain topics before they
study them.
Point out the
Final task
to the students:
The environmental impact
of mineral extraction
. Explain what the task is: an oral presentation
with slideshows and in groups.
●
Understand the origins of the Earth.
●
Differentiate between the layers
of the geosphere and describe
the characteristics of the materials
they are composed of.
●
Identify minerals and their
properties.
●
Identify and classify rocks.
●
Value the importance of minerals
and rocks for humans and of
managing these resources in a
sustainable way.
●
Carry out a research task.
3
YOU WILL LEARN TO…
THE GEOSPHERE
What do you think the Earth is like in its interior? Could we
travel there
?
What qualities make some minerals so appreciated by people
?
Rocksareused inconstruction.Whatelsecan rocksbeused for
?
Why do you think it’s important to manage mineral resources
responsibly
?
What can you see in the photo
? Where do you think it is?
Final
task
+
www
47
3. Thegeosphere
The environmental impact of mineral extraction
Minerals are extremely useful to us. Minerals have great economic
value and are often obtained without thinking about the
environmental and social impact of their extraction.
Mineral extraction in third world countries is directly related to
smuggling, poor work conditions and child labour.
One of the most sought after minerals is coltan, which is used to
the make parts of electronic devices. In this unit, you will research
this mineral and create a slideshow presentation.
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TEACHING SUGGESTIONS
