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Title: Career Opportunities
Level: Middle School
Time: 2 hours, not including the field trip
KERA Goals: 1.12; 2.22; 2.36; 3.7; 4.2

Objective:

The students should recognize there are many jobs available in the mining industry.

Background Information:

The mining industry may offer an opportunity for you. The industry employs over thousands of workers directly and through support industries provides tens of thousands of jobs. The mining industry employs the following types of workers:

• geologists
• engineers
• surveyors
• attorneys
• drafters
• carpenters
• landmen
• electricians
• blasters
• plumbers
• mechanics
• process control technicians
• drillers
• equipment operators
• computer operators
• truck drivers
• public relations officers
• secretaries
• trainers
• security officers
• systems analysts
• accountants
• chemists
• welders

Teacher Hint:

• The Dictionary of Occupational Titles breaks down all occupations into job duties and tasks. Visit the school library and collect information on three occupations that might interest the students.

• Class could visit a mining site or have people who work in the industry speak to the class about their individual jobs.  Universities and State Geological Surveys are also good sources of information and people willing to speak to the class.

Activity:

Have students list jobs available to their community through mining.

Teacher Hint:

You could list community members by name and job.

Activity:

Have student research a mining-related job. Present their report in class dressed in an appropriate costume.

Provided by The Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc.