EDUCATION RESOURCES

Mining in the classroom

Career-Connected Education Resources & Experiences

If it can’t be grown, it must be extracted from the earth—and once you start to notice, it’s everywhere. Through Mining in the Classroom, we connect students and educators to the essential role minerals play in shaping daily life—right here in Arizona and beyond. From the copper that powers our technology to the materials that build our homes and infrastructure, mining provides the first ingredients for the world around us.

This program brings those connections to life through lessons, experiences, and real-world exploration—inviting students to imagine themselves working in the Land of the Giants, where the scale of the equipment is matched by a commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, and the future of our communities. Because when you take a closer look, it’s clear: if it can’t be grown, it must be extracted from the earth.

Lesson Plans

Explore mining through a local lens. These K–12 STEM lesson plans are rooted in Arizona’s rich mining landscape, connecting classroom learning to the science, technology, and innovation happening right here at home. Designed to be engaging and accessible, these resources help students discover real-world applications while building skills that matter—bringing Arizona’s mining story into the classroom.

Experiential Events

Step beyond the classroom and into the world of mining. Throughout the year, experiential events hosted across the industry give students a chance to see, touch, and explore what mining is really all about. From guided tours to hands-on activities and real-world interactions with professionals, these experiences offer a first-hand look at the people, technology, and innovation that power the industry—bringing learning to life in the most unforgettable way.

  • Annual Spring Event
  • K-12 Student Program
  • Held Midweek
  • Annual November Event
  • CTE Students
  • Held Midweek
  • Annual Winter Event
  • Open to Public
  • Weekend Event

 

  • Annual Winter Event
  • Open to Public
  • Weekend Event

 

  • Annual Fall Event
  • Open to Public
  • Weekend Event

 

FIELD TRIPS

Take learning beyond the classroom with field trip opportunities that bring mining to life. Because access to mine sites can be limited, we’ve gathered a range of ideas—from museums to tours and other engaging destinations—to help bring mining closer to your school. These experiences connect students with real-world concepts and turn curiosity into lasting understanding.

Arizona Mining

tours & museums

Tour of Operating Mine
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Museum Visitors
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Tours & Museums
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additional resources

Take the next step with resources designed to help bring mining into the classroom. Explore professional development for teachers, along with student-focused pathways like continuing education and careers in mining, plus practical tools to bring real-world learning into the classroom.

MINING IN THE CLASSROOM TESTIMONIALS

"The mine pit was so beautiful! I didn't have a deep appreciation for rocks and geology, so it was a great opportunity to connect with something I'm unfamiliar with!"
"(I didn't know) how much the mining industry does environmentally."
"I love the mining community. I think it's very diverse and it has a lot of opportunities for different majors."
"I didn’t know Arizona had a copper belt."

GAMES

Scholarships

Teacher Training

Teacher Training

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Arizona Mining Association - Membership Advocacy for the Mining Industry
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