Materials:
- 2 – chocolate chip cookies (the chips represent coal deposits)
- 1 – toothpick
- 1 – paper towel
Procedure:
- Place the chocolate chip cookie on a paper towel.
- Take a photo with your phone of the cookie before mining begins. Be sure to locate all the visible fuel deposits (chips).
- Estimate the number of coal deposits in the cookie and record the data.
- Using a toothpick, extract as many chips as possible from the cookie in 5 minutes
- After the mining time has expired, take another photo of the cookie again.
- Count and record the number of chips (actual deposits) and cookie pieces remaining at the end of the mining activity.
- Calculate the efficiency of mining by completing the Profit/Loss Table.
- Determine a better/different method of extraction; mine a new site with your new method.
- Repeat the above procedures to compare your two methods of extraction.
Cookie Table
Estimated Deposits | Actual Deposits | Cookie Pieces at End |
Profit/Loss Table
1. Land Damage Fine = (number of pieces of cookie breaking off) x $200.00 | |
2. Refining Charge = (number of minutes to refine the chocolate chips) x $200.00 | |
3. Mined Fuel Deposits = (number of chips) x $2000.00 | |
Profit/Loss = (Mining Fuel Deposit) – (Land Damage + Refining Charges)* |
*negative number indicates a loss of money
Analysis:
After doing this exercise and the accompanying chart
Post your data and results tables AND you will discuss your answers to the questions below.
In answering the following questions, be sure to support your position with references to your data, articles, podcasts, content learned in the textbook or outside resources (please include a link in your post to any outside resources you find). This discussion is worth 20 points.
- Explain your method for extracting chips on the second cookie. Would your second approach be better for the environment? Were there better profits/losses?
- Based on your mining practices, what happens to an area of land that is being mined for coal? What can be done to minimize the destruction of the environment when extracting fossil fuels?
- Should we be concerned about damage to the environment caused by mining? Why or why not?
- If the mining industry has to pay so many fees and fines to extract fossil fuels, why do you think they still do it? (Hint: think of profit and loss calculation)
