New Program and Haul Game Turn the Story of Copper Mining Into Interactive STEM Learning

  • By Kate Lucariello
  • 09/22/22

Discovery Education today launched a new, browser-based STEM education program free to use that explores the use of mined materials in everyday life and explains the science and technology used in the mining industry, thanks to a partnership with international mining company Freeport-McMoRan.

The “Dig Into Mining – The Story of Copper” immersive program for grades 6–12 explores how metals such as copper are extracted and turned into materials such as doorknobs and earbuds. Included is a new educational game called Haul! based on the Dig Into Mining educational resources.

In the Haul game, students virtually operate a loaded truck through a copper ore mine, with a score card that measures their progress; it works on web browsers and Chromebooks, with a keyboard and mouse or USB game controller. Teachers can use the Dig Into Mining educator guide to incorporate the virtual experience into their STEM lesson plan and extend the lessons with activities for before, during, and after, according to a news release.

A screenshot of the Dig Into Mining STEM education program's new Haul! game for grades 6-12 from Discovery Education

“The gamification of learning engages students in exciting ways, while the accompanying educator resources and activities make it easy for teachers to connect the classroom to the wider world,” said Tracy Bame, director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Freeport-McMoRan.

Discovery Education General Manager of Social Impact Amy Nakamoto noted the program helps students develop “key STEM, sustainability, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.”

Learn more at DiscoveryEducation.com or check out the mining education resources and Haul game at DigIntoMining.com.

About the Author

Kate Lucariello is a former newspaper editor, EAST Lab high school teacher and college English teacher.

Featured

  • pattern of icons for math and reading, including a pi symbol, calculator, and open book

    HMH Launches Personalized Path Solution

    Adaptive learning company HMH has introduced HMH Personalized Path, a K-8 ELA and math product that combines intervention curriculum, adaptive practice, and assessment for students of all achievement levels.

  • red brick school building with a large yellow "AI" sign above its main entrance

    New National Academy for AI Instruction to Provide Free AI Training for Educators

    In an effort to "transform how artificial intelligence is taught and integrated into classrooms across the United States," the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), in partnership with Microsoft, OpenAI, Anthropic, and the United Federation of Teachers, is launching the National Academy for AI Instruction, a $23 million initiative that will provide access to free AI training and curriculum for all AFT members, beginning with K-12 educators.

  • laptop on a desk with its screen displaying numerous colorful educational app icons

    Survey Finds Majority of Schools Using 10 to 15 Educational Apps

    A new report points to the fragmented digital landscape of educational apps in use at schools and districts across the country.

  • laptop displaying AI-powered educational content

    Kira Introduces AI-Generated Lesson Tool

    AI company Kira has announced a new AI-powered lesson generation tool that it says delivers complete, standards-aligned lessons that are personalized to each student.