Process
Subject Sampler
All About Gold!Colby L. Scheer
Introduction:
The following links come from all over the World Wide Web. Complete the following activities with your Wagon Train Team. The purpose of this Web page is to give you a sampling (examples) of some aspects of gold and gold mining. Each of these activities explore a different aspect of gold. See how much new information you can "mine" as you go on your gold hunt.
The following activities will help you learn more about gold!
What is Gold?
1. Read through the "Gold Facts" article and then write down 3-5 different things you've learned.2. What is the one fact you find most interesting? Why?3. Do you own anything made of gold? If not, what is something you would like to own that is made of (or uses) gold?
What is Gold Good For?
1. Read the first paragraph (The Most Useful Metal), then skim through the rest of the sections. What is the one use of gold (section) you found most interesting?
2. Write down 3-5 facts you learned about gold use in the section you chose?
3. Why did you pick this section?
4. How much is an ounce of gold worth today?
One Way to Get Some Gold (Panning)
1. Do you think you would enjoy panning for gold? Why?2. If you did find your own gold would you sell it for money, or keep it? Why?3. According to the video what is probably a good first step in going panning for gold? Do you know of anybody who could help you look for gold?
Gold Mining and the Environment
1. Read the article. Do you think the authors approve of people mining for gold? 2. Do you think gold mining could impact (hurt or help) the environment?3. What is something you can do today to make sure our environment is cared for? California Gold Rush1. According to this website, how many people "rushed" to California during the Gold Rush between 1848 and 1855?2. Would you have wanted to travel across the world or country to be a Forty-Niner miner in California?
I hope you enjoyed this sample journey learning a few things about gold. Gold plays an important role in our world today. Think about some of the things we wouldn't have if we didn't have gold. It's truly a unique and rare material that we will learn more about as we continue our study of the Oregon Trail and California Gold Rush.
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