Lesson Plan: C2.5.05

Hamble Lesson Observation Plan
Learning About
How can we extract metals from low grade ores?
Keywords:
  • Electrolysis: Chemical decomposition produced by passing an electric current through a liquid or solution containing ions. (1)
  • Bioleaching: Extraction of metals from their ores through the use of living organisms. (1)
  • Phytomining: The planting (and subsequent harvesting) of vegetation that will selectively concentrate specific metals from the soil into their tissues. (1)
  • Ore: A naturally occurring solid material from which a metal or valuable mineral can be extracted profitably. (1)
Memory Anchor:
Method Precise Learning Objective Linked Question / Activity
(Designed for maximum working out)		 Stepping Stones Pitstop Check
(Thinking Map)
The Earth?s resources of metal ores are limited. What will happen to the Earth's supplies of metal ores if we continue to extract them at the rate we are now?
Copper ores are becoming scarce and new ways of extracting copper from low-grade ores include phytomining, and bioleaching. What are new ways of extracting copper from low-grade ores called?

Think/Pair/Share Demand for copper continues to increase, but the Earth's supplies are dwindling. How could we overcome this? Bioleaching and Phytomining https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XF399zN36LE
These methods avoid traditional mining methods of digging, moving and disposing of large amounts of rock. What do these new methods of copper extraction avoid?
Phytomining uses plants to absorb metal compounds. The plants are harvested and then burned to produce ash that contains metal compounds. How is phytomining carried out?

Create a cartoon story board: Process of phytomining.
Bioleaching uses bacteria to produce leachate solutions that contain metal compounds. How is bioleaching carried out?

Bioleaching: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLeLPYUeCH8
The metal compounds can be processed to obtain the metal. For example, copper can be obtained from solutions of copper compounds by displacement using scrap iron or by electrolysis. How can copper compounds be processed to obtain the metal.

Opportunity to recap methods of extracting metals from their ores
Students should be able to evaluate alternative biological methods of metal extraction, given appropriate information.

Links To the Big Ideas
ForcesParticlesEnergyCells