Lesson Activities for Fontana Mines

Grade Level 7-8: 

These activities would require at least 2-4 class periods to complete. During the first period I would be presenting the website to the students with a discussion of the contents.  For their assignment, I would have them access the site during their computer lab time and pose the questions for them to solve. Equipment needed: Internet connected computer/LCD projector. Students need four-function calculator.
  • These activities are to implement the following objectives in the North Carolina Standard Course of Study – 8th Grade Mathematics
  • 1.02 Estimate and compute with rational numbers
  • 1.03 Compare, order, and convert among fractions, decimals (terminating and non-terminating), and percents.
  • 1.12 Analyze problems to determine if there is sufficient or extraneous data, select appropriate strategies, and use an organized approach to solve using calculators when appropriate.
  • 4.02 collect data involving two variables and display on a scatter plot, interpret results, identify positive and negative relationships.

North Carolina Computer Skills covered:

Competency Goal 3- The learner will use a variety of technologies to access, analyze, interpret, synthesize, apply, and communicate information.

3.1 Select and use technology tools to collect, analyze, and display data.

3.9 Conduct online research and evaluate the information found as to the validity, appropriateness, content, and usefulness.

Given specific data, the students will perform the following tasks:

1.    Using tabular data make a scatter plot comparing the amount of ore removed and the cost per pound of copper extracted each month of the year (1943). Determine what, if any, relationship exists between these two variables.

2.    During what months was the production highest? Lowest?  Can you think of a reason(s) why?

3.    The first row across on the data sheet lists the following column headings:

Wet Tons %CU lb. loss  lb. xtrctn lbs.CU made  Cost per lb.
1350  4.11 9.40  76.60 103410 .1351
 

What calculations must you perform in order to arrive at the number of pounds of copper produced?

Hints:  There are 2000 pounds in a short ton. 2200 pounds in a long or metric ton.  The pounds loss and the pounds extraction are per ton. The percent of copper would be expressed as a decimal fraction.

During 1943, the price of copper was .1178 cents/lb.  Did the mine make or lose money during this month? Do the calculations for the entire year and assume the price remained steady.   How much profit/loss did the mine make this year?

4. What percent of the yearly total of pounds of copper made was each month’s production?

5. In column 3, what do you think could have accounted for these pounds of material lost during the smelting process?  You might do some research and arrive at a conclusion.

Fontana Mine Data Sheet


Page author: Joe Livingston
Return Home