Rainbow students participate in international mining conference

Students from Rainbow Schools enrolled in the new Specialist High Skills Major in Mining will have a unique opportunity to discover the mineral exploration industry next week when they participate in the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Mining Matters conference. The conference, a gathering of professionals from around the world, will take place at the Toronto Convention Centre on Tuesday, March 4, 2008.

“We are delighted that Mining Matters has coordinated a complete learning experience for students at the annual Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada International Convention, Trade Show, and Investors Exchange,” says Sofia Gallagher, the Rainbow District School Board’s Curriculum Coordinator for Science and Technological Studies. “Our students’ participation in this important event is being sponsored by the PDAC and the Centre for Excellence in Mining (CEMI). We thank them for supporting the Specialist High Skills Major in Mining in Rainbow Schools.”

A total of 43 Grade 11 students are enrolled in the Specialist High Skills Major in Mining at Lockerby Composite School and Lively District Secondary School. The goal of the program is to prepare students for a successful transition to apprenticeship training, college, university or employment while meeting the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma and the needs of the local mining industry.

In Rainbow Schools, students who choose the Specialist High Skills Major in Mining engage in hands-on learning in mining and mining-related fields through job shadowing, work experience and cooperative education.  They also earn valuable industry certifications, including first aid and confined space awareness training, and take part in relevant field trips.

“Participating in Mining Matters will enrich the mining program by exposing students to current knowledge in the fields of geosciences and mining,” says Gallagher. “Students will also explore career opportunities and interact with people from around the globe. This will increase the students’ understanding of the science and technology behind mining practices, the importance of the industry to Canadians, and the potential career paths open to them.”

When students arrive at the conference, they will participate in a geological mapping activity. They will complete a chart of rock types, noting the rock name, colour, texture and any other notable properties that they can see. In the interpretation section of the activity, students will deduce and draw in the geological contacts between the different rock units. Through discussion, students will look at the relative age of the units, note patterns where metallic minerals occur, decide where further exploration efforts should be focused and look at any rock/mineral relationships that may exist.

Following this activity, students will take part in the career showcase, a whole-group presentation where they will hear professionals in the industry talk about who they are, who they work for, what they do, their education, career path, and prospects.  Following the group presentation, each speaker will be paired with a small group of students for a networking lunch. The career mentors include an Exploration Geologist, Metallurgist, Research Scientist, 3D Computer Modeller, Sustainability Manager and a Property and Resource Representative.

Students will then head to the trade show floor where they will complete a scavenger hunt to designated exhibits.  The day will culminate with a special presentation called “The Hunt for Diamonds in the Land of Ice and Snow”. Research scientist Dr. Harvey Thorleifson will share his expertise about diamond exploration in Canada, his personal career path and the importance of mining and Earth science in everyday lives.

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Media Contact:

Sofia Gallagher, Curriculum coordinator, Science and Technological Studies
Rainbow District School Board, (705) 523-3308 ext. 8203