Preparation for Group Activity 1 (GA1)

For the group activity on Friday you will be self-learning about key chemical elements used in our society from their geology to their end use. Prior to Friday’s class, you need to spend about 1-2 hours researching your element (web or library; don’t chase useless web information- you might be more likely to find useful information at sites with “.edu” and “.gov” extensions), and you will take corresponding notes that you will turn in with the activity on Friday. The notes will include sources from which you obtained information.

You can see your group and your assigned element on the course web page ("group list" link) or in D2L content (Unit 1). I suggest the top half of names in the group concentrate their research the ‘Geology & Environment’ and the ‘Production’ questions below, and the bottom half of names in the group research the ‘Economics’ and ‘Use and Health’ questions. You will bring your notes to class and your group will collectively use all of your information to complete the group activity.

Geology and Environment-

What is the abundance of your element in the Earth's crust? What are the primary minerals that contain your element in ores (minerals in which the concentration of the element is sufficiently high that it is economical to mine)? In what geological and plate tectonics conditions/environments are ore bodies of your element found? What environmental problems arise or might arise from the mining of your element?

Production-

How much of your element is produced worldwide each year? What countries are the primary producers of your element? What is the ranking of production? How is your element mined (open-pit, subsurface, placer, etc)? Are there mines for your element in the US? If so, where?

Economics-

What is the current price of your element? (per kg) What grade (concentration in ore) is the lowest being mined? Were there any important historical shifts in production of your element through time? (i.e., location of production or amount of production) What is the current trajectory of the price/production of your element?

Use and Health-

In what products is your element used? Where could you find this element in devices you use (transportation, electronics, home, etc)? What health problems (illnesses, diseases, maladies and their consequences) does your element pose in high concentrations? If your element poses environmental problems in mining, uses, or disposal, are there other materials/elements that could substitute for your element?