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Educator Resource: Field Trip

Geology of the Open Cut

Discover why the Homestake Gold Mine was one of the premier producing mines in North America through activities that explore the geology of the Northern Black Hills (at the Open Cut).
Level
Upper Elementary, Middle School
Time required
~1 hour

Using the spectacular geology visible in the Open Cut as a backdrop, students model mountain building and rock folding as it pertains to the geology of the Northern Black Hills and historic Homestake Gold Mine. Students will be challenged to categorize and identify a variety of local rock samples—they will even discover gold ore!

* This field trip experience takes place at the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center (not at the Sanford Lab).