For Educators: Gold
Civilization's most sought-after mineral, an enduring icon of wealth, beauty, and power.
Educators Guide and Materials
Downloads
Resources for Educators
Use these free online resources to extend your students' investigation of the science and cultural influence of the precious metals discussed in the GOLD exhibition.
Article
The Amazing Mundo
Mundo Shamundo! With the help of these magic words, the Amazing Mundo can literally reverse the sands of time. Watch him transform worldly objects ... back into rocks in this fun comic strip.
Article
Jade
Jade has been used by people around the world for thousands of years—first to make tools, later to create precious works of art. Take a peek into mineralogist George Harlow's scrapbook to see why he thinks this rock is so special.
Activity
Grow Rock Candy
No matter where you find mineral salt—on your table or at the beach—you'll see its unique cube-shaped crystals. Take a sweet look at the crystal patterns and compositions of minerals.
Reference List
GOLD Glossary
What is the gold standard? How does an alloy differ from a compound? And what happens when a metal tarnishes? Find out with this glossary from "alloy" to "volume."
Reference List
GOLD Online Resources
Explore the McLaughlin gold mine in Northern California. See the first metal coins, which were created in the Middle East around 600 BC. And investigate the properties of gold.
Reference List
GOLD Books for Adults
Experience the California Gold Rush. Examine gold in its pure and refined forms. And find out how gold has shaped civilizations throughout history.
Reference List
GOLD Booklist for Kids
How does gold form and what does it take to extract it from the earth? You'll find everything from colorful field guides to tales about the quest for gold in this list of kid-friendly titles.
Article
All That Glitters (SuperScience)
Did you know miners must dig up and process as many as 30 tons of rock to make a single gold ring? Take a dazzling look at how gold is mined and transformed.
Article
All That Glitters (Science World)
Did you know that all of the mined gold in the world could easily fit inside your school's gym? Find out what it takes to turn this precious metal into trophies and jewelry.