FORMATION OF A NATIVE COPPER MINERAL DEPOSIT

While copper is typically extracted from copper-containing mineral ores that must be treated and refined to obtain the pure metal, copper also exists in nature in its native elemental form. This is the rarest and most valuable form of copper as it is the easiest to process to obtain pure metal.

• In this activity, students will create specific environment conditions and examine the formation of native copper deposits over several days.
• Kit contains enough materials for 15 groups.
• Teacher's Guide and Student Study and Analysis copymasters are included.

Aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)*

Disciplinary Core Ideas: PS1.A; PS1.B; ESS3.A
Performance Expectations: MS-PS1-2; MS-ESS3-1; HS-ESS3-2; HS-PS2-6
Cross Cutting Concepts: Structure and Function; Influence of Engineering, Technology and Science on Society and the Natural World; Patterns
Engineering Practices: Analyzing and Interpreting Data; Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

Kit Includes:
200g Copper Sulfate
200g Sodium Chloride
30 Iron Nails
15 Plastic Vials
50 Filter Paper Discs, 10mm
15 Hand Magnifiers

Materials Needed but not Supplied:
Distilled or Deionized Water

*”Next Generation Science Standards” is a registered trademark of Achieve. Neither Achieve nor the lead states and partners that developed the Next Generation Science Standards was involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this product.