RockSmart

In this section, we offer a variety of classroom teaching materials. By clicking on the link in each section, you will have access to worksheets that can be printed out and copied for your students to use.

1. Why Do We Mine?
Humans have used the earth's mineral resources for thousands of years. In fact, early human civilizations regarded the earth's resources as gifts from a higher power because of their beauty and ability to last through the ages.

Why Do We Mine? – In this worksheet, learn why we mine by understanding the minerals, metals and fuels that an average American will need in their lifetime.

2. If It’s Not Grown, It’s Mined.
We are accustomed to buying what we need in America where manufactured items made from raw materials surround us. Use the following worksheets in your class to generate discussions and investigations.

Test Your Knowledge!

Answers to Test Your Knowledge!

Aggregate, What’s That?

City Scape – To see how we use mined resources, print out this City Scape worksheet. See if you can label where we use the substances from the Test Your Knowledge list.

At Vulcan Materials Company, we produce many quality products from the raw materials we extract from the earth. Learn more about how our products are used below.

Sample Uses: Construction Materials

Sample Uses: Chemicals

3. Where Do Minerals Come From?
Mined resources come from many different places in the world and are usually found in concentrated locations. Some of the mining locations have been in use for many years with many of the extracted resources being transported all around the world.

Mining Throughout History – Understand the different "ages" of mining in this worksheet.

To understand how a mine works, see the following worksheets. Here, you’ll begin to understand the processes that are involved in mining. For a more comprehensive look at the mining process, check out our Quarry Story.

Mining Start to Finish

Let’s Start Mining

The Amazing World We Live In – Tour The Quarry

4. Let’s Explore the Facts (Lesson Plans)
In this area, we have included lesson plans for your use. We hope you will let us know how well these work in your classroom and that you will add to the library. Please email your comments and lesson suggestions to learning@vmcmail.com. If we select your lesson suggestion, we will give you credit on our site and send you a "Rockman" video.

Mining: Who Needs It?

Minerals all around me

From the Mine to Your School

What Do An Egg And The Earth Have In Common?

Volcanic Egg Project

Rock IQ

How Many Rocks Does It Take To Cover The Earth?

What’s The Difference?

5. Mining Needs All Kind of People
The mining industry is very complex. It is also an exciting and growing industry with professionals at many levels.

Mining Needs All Kinds Of People – This worksheet outlines some of the careers available in our industry.

Vulcan Career Paths – We are always on the lookout for motivated and talented employees. This worksheet outlines the career paths available at Vulcan Materials Company from entry level through management.