Minerals Education

Earth Science Education Workshop Dates

For current dates, please use the link to our Announcements and Events webpage.

Nevada's Earth Science Education Program

This summary describes the earth science education programs that have been developed and implemented by the Nevada Division of Minerals (NDOM) and the Nevada Mining Association (NMA) through a long-standing cooperative effort. The purpose of these programs is to educate Nevada teachers and students as to the importance of earth science and minerals to our society, as well as provide training and resources to assist teachers in teaching earth science in the classroom. Our programs have been developed to reach virtually every grade level, K-12, and are amenable to use in an integrated curriculum environment.

Mineral Education Workshops Description

Since August 1984, the Nevada Division of Minerals and the Nevada Mining Association have co-sponsored annual Earth Science Education Workshops for teachers from throughout Nevada. A summer "State-wide" workshop is held in rural communities near operating mines. A spring workshop is held in Las Vegas, specifically designed for teachers in Southern Nevada. Teachers enrolled in the Earth Science Education Workshops can receive Nevada Department of Education recertification, Professional Development (PDE) (School District), or university (UNR or UNLV) credit.

Teachers attending the workshops have an opportunity to participate in "hands-on" classroom activities which can be incorporated into existing curriculum. Attendees also get the opportunity to visit operating mines and examine mining and processing procedures. All attendees gain an appreciation for the mineral industry and the importance of minerals to society.

To date over 4,000 teachers and administrators have participated. The mineral education workshops are nationally recognized, and NDOM/NMA staff have trained teachers and industry representatives from other states (including California, Wyoming, Minnesota, New Mexico, Indiana, and Montana) to develop similar programs. We are currently working with Florida to help develop a program for their teachers. We welcome representatives from other states who would be interested in observing and possibly emulating our program.

Education Contacts with NDOM and NMA The NDOM and the NMA have been involved in all aspects of mineral education programs for Nevada schools. These education programs have been very successful and well received by Nevada teachers. If you have any further questions, or need additional information, please contact:
Deborah Selig Nevada Division of Minerals in Las Vegas at:	phone: 702-486-4343 fax: 702-486-4345 e-mail: ndomlv@govmail.state.nv.us website: http://minerals.state.nv.us/
Bill Durbin Nevada Division of Minerals in Las Vegas at:	phone: 702-486-4344 fax: 702-486-4345 e-mail: bdurbin@govmail.state.nv.us website: http://minerals.state.nv.us/
Mike Visher Nevada Division of Minerals in Carson City at:	phone: 775-684-7044 fax: 775-684-7052 e-mail: mvisher@govmail.state.nv.us website: http://minerals.state.nv.us/
Joseph Riney Nevada Mining Association in Reno at:	phone: 775-829-2121 x13 fax: 775-852-2631 e-mail: jriney@nevadamining.org website: http://www.nevadamining.org/
Katie Neddenriep (NMA Education Chair) Barrick Gold:	e-mail: kneddenriep@barrick.com
Updated as of 10/6/2011

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