School Yard Reclamation

Objective - Students collect data surrounding a given area and make generalizations about the reclaimability of that land after a mini-mining operation.

Materials - String, small stakes, notebooks and pencils

Activity - Divide the class into several small groups. Inform students that they have been selected as reclamation specialists and have been given the responsibility of collecting data on various plots of ground located around the schoolyard. These plots are under consideration for special mining activities. Their job is to observe the area under consideration, collect data, and report on the feasibility of using and reclaiming the plots. Careful planning is essential and details and data collection are very important.

Ask students to survey the schoolyard and identify an area that is three feet (90 centimeters) square. Have them mark off the area with string and small stakes.

Ask students to observe the area very carefully and record the following information:

• What is the general appearance of the plot?
• What types of plants or vegetation are present?
• Are there any insects or signs of animal life present?
• What is the soil like in the plot area?
• Are there any rocks present?
• Does the plot, or any aspect of the plot, change as the seasons change?
• What environmental conditions are present (light intensity, evidence of water, evidence of human traffic, temperature, etc.)?
• What is the surrounding land used for?

It may also be useful to have students observe their plot of ground over several days and record any changes or observations. It would be wise to get school administrators permission if any ground is actually to be disturbed.

Ask students to create a chart or a display that illustrates the characteristics of their plot.

Review and analyze the various plots. (Which has the greatest number of plants, insects, rocks, etc.) Ask students the following questions:

• If your plot were considered for a mini-mining exploration, and you had excavated an area 24 inches (61 centimeters) in diameter to a depth of six inches (15 centimeters) below the surface, how would your plot be affected?
• What tools would you need?
• Where would you put the excavated ground?
• How would the mini-mining affect insect, animal, or human interaction?
• Would mining produce long-term effects?
• If the plot were mini-mined, could the ground be reclaimed to near its approximate original appearance?
• What reclamation would need to be done?
• Is the disturbance worth the economic gain made through jobs, taxes, and the quality of life and creation of wealth?
• What factors present the greatest challenges?

After students conduct this activity, relate their process to the process of reclamation discussed on this poster. Hold a class discussion and identify all of the factors that contribute to this reclamation activity.