CES students learn about Indiana's natural resources

Cloverdale Elementary School students Elizabeth Peters, Audrie Fulkerson, Sean Gaston and Xavier Evans recently participated in activities which focused on Indiana's natural resources. Among the activities, students were able to develop a marketable toothpaste, which was judged on color and flavor. Above, the students work on their Mango Ninja Toothpaste.

CLOVERDALE -- Students in Mrs. Bookwalter and Mrs. Kemp's fourth grade social studies and science classes at Cloverdale Elementary School recently participated in activities that focused on Indiana's natural resources and how they play a part in the economy.

In science, students were able to demonstrate how heat and pressure can change rock by making "metamorphic sandwiches."

Students used their observation and classifying skills to tell the difference between rocks and minerals. They then took the activity further by using the scientific method to become "mineral detectives" and learn about the properties of minerals.

Students analyzed their mineral specimens and used industry standards like the Moh's Hardness Scale to hardness value their samples and the streak test to determine the true color of the mineral.

Central Elementary students also learned that many of the products they use everyday including toothpaste are made from rocks and minerals. Students used minerals calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate to create their own toothpaste. Students were divided into group to produce one marketable toothpaste recipe.

These were judged on color and flavor. The students then developed an advertising campaign included a slogan, jingle, rap or song that would help sell their product.

In social studies, students learned how vital the mining and aggregate industry is to Indiana's economy and the value of Indiana's natural resources.

In the birdseed mining activity, students learned that mining can be very complex.

Student groups came up with a name for their mining operation and designated one student to be the company controller/ accountant. They then had to "bid" on a mine. Once the mine was purchased they learned about the rules and regulations that need to be followed as teachers in the role of MSHA officials (Mine Safety and Health Administration) handed out fines for "unsafe" mining.

Students learned about scarcity of certain natural resources in different areas mined and mineral depletion. They also learned how to calculate the value of the resources found and the profit they made after expenses. It was a lesson too on how the mining industry ensures that the industry is a good steward of the land and has a plan to restore it to its original or better condition when the mining is done.