Educators learn about Saskatchewan's resources

Jenna Welsh, Grade 9-12 science and physics teacher at Carlton Comprehensive High School in Prince Albert, experienced an opportunity to strengthen her teaching skills first hand during a Rock'n the Classroom GeoVenture Saskatchewan Mining Association Teacher's Tour in July.

The five-day tour offered a wealth of information on various mining areas within the province.

Throughout the tour Pam Schwann, SMA executive director, provided geological narration on the areas including the mention of the glacier lines.

There were numerous opportunities for the teachers to have group sessions for curriculum planning and to share ideas on how to incorporate all the information into the classroom setting. The geologists and Saskatchewan Mining Association assisted the teaching professionals with these planning sessions.

Welsh developed a greater appreciation for the mining and archeological professions. She also realized that they (all teaching professionals) need to work better at teaching the environmental aspect of mining.

"We often forget that reclaiming of the land once the mine is decommissioned is just as important as the mining itself," said Welsh, formerly of Blaine Lake, explaining mining companies are required and responsible to put the land back into its natural state once it is complete with its project. Welsh has a store of new information she plans to incorporate into her classes.

"I never realized the variety of types of occupations required at mine sites," commented Welsh explaining the need for trades in construction, electrical, welding, plumbing, mechanical, to name a few.

"It was an event well worth experiencing and I would recommend it to other teaching professionals to participate in this program."

Jenna Welsh at the coal mine.The first day consisted entirely of briefing and orientation.

The second day the 20 participants were flown out to McArthur River to tour the uranium mine. The group, wearing protective gear, descended 500 metres below ground level to witness how the product was mined. The group was then taken to Key Lake where they were able to see where and how uranium was processed.

The itinerary for July 26 included the Diamond and Potash Solutions Mine. Although the group did not officially tour the diamond mine, instruction was presented by Shore Gold providing information about diamonds and the mine.

Then it was off to Bell Plaine to a solution mine. There were no underground mines in that workers were sent down to work in but rather a solution is sent down through a series of channels and pipes beneath the earth's crust to dilute the potash. The solution comes back to the surface where the potash is then extracted.

July 27, the tour continued to Eastend to the paleontology lab and the discovery of Scotty the T-Rex. Archeology is a meticulous profession as hours upon hours are spent on chipping, scraping, and dusting the surface surrounding archeological artifacts.

The next day tour of the Sherritt Coal Mine was another learning opportunity as participants went into the pits, learned how a drag line works, saw the coal train load and deliver coal to the power station before heading to Esterhazy to view the Potash Interpretive Centre. Participants toured the surface mill then descended 3,200 feet underground to view the mine and 'underground city' which consisted of repair and mechanic shops. These shops are utilized to assemble and repair equipment and vehicles used underground.