TS BAU teaches at the Brand-Erbisdorf secondary school in the district of Central Saxony.

Together with class 9a of the Brand-Erbisdorf secondary school, we carried out a one-week interdisciplinary lesson on the subject of raw materials. The results are outstanding!

The aim of the project is to create an awareness of raw materials among the pupils. The pupils work out everything themselves with the help of the class teacher and us. The project is structured as follows:

• Compilation of a dictionary on the extraction of raw materials so that the “same language is spoken” in the project.
• Dividing into groups and researching one chemical element each (e.g. copper, lead, zinc, tin, lithium, silver, aluminum...) with regard to physical and chemical properties and the atomic model.
• Research the minerals in which the respective element is contained. Research the deposits and mining areas in the world.
• Compilation of various everyday objects that contain the element and are an integral part of the students' lives.
• Researching problems in the worldwide extraction and processing of raw materials with regard to environmental protection, human rights, water and energy consumption, etc.
• Compilation in a profile folder.

Finally, we presented the work of miners today in a “hands-on presentation”. To help the pupils better understand this, we also developed a mine together.

We are delighted with the concentrated and interested approach of the pupils and teachers. Together, we were able to take a huge step towards a more conscious use of raw materials. The feedback forms show us that the pupils also thought the project was great!

So to all miners, processors, geologists, etc.: Go to the schools and support the teachers in raising awareness about raw materials!

It's worth the effort!

Glückauf!