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Educator Resource: Field Trip

Geology of the Open Cut

Like pages in a book, the rock layers in the Open Cut tell a story about the geologic history and dynamic processes that shaped the Northern Black Hills and paved the way for underground science.
Level
Upper Elementary, Middle School
Time required
~1 hour

Using the spectacular geology visible in the Open Cut as a backdrop, students will model mountain building and rock folding as it pertains to the geology of the Northern Black Hills. They will also be challenged to categorize and identify a variety of local rock samples—maybe even discovering gold ore!

Why conduct cutting-edge science in a former gold mine?

This location provides significant depth and rock stability—a near-perfect environment for experiments that need to escape the constant bombardment of cosmic radiation, which can interfere with the detection of rare physics events.

 

* Whenever possible, this experience takes place at the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center