@MECeducation

MEC's mission is to identify, produce & share fact-based K-12 minerals education lessons & activities to inform & educate the public on the importance of mining

 Denver, Colorado
mineralseducationcoalition.org/
Joined October 2014
  • Tweets5.1K
  • Following400
  • Followers984
3.8KMedia
What connects minerals and medicine? Bismuth, lithium and iodine are just a few minerals with important medical uses. Explore their applications in the MEC Mineral Resources Database during #NationalPharmacyWeek: sbrew.link/u8qIPRzW #MineralsMatter #STEMeducation #mining
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Celebrate Earth Science Week, October 11-17. Join free daily webinars at 1 p.m. EDT exploring this year's theme: Critical Minerals for a Thriving Society. View the full schedule: MineralsEducationCoalition.o… #EarthScienceWeek #CriticalMinerals #STEM #Geology
This is a promotional image for Earth Science Week, highlighting daily webinars on "Critical Minerals for a Thriving Society" from October 11-17 at 1 pm EDT. Each weekday features a different topic. The image includes logos for the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (SME) and the Minerals Education Coalition (MEC).

ALT This is a promotional image for Earth Science Week, highlighting daily webinars on "Critical Minerals for a Thriving Society" from October 11-17 at 1 pm EDT. Each weekday features a different topic. The image includes logos for the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (SME) and the Minerals Education Coalition (MEC).

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Celebrate Earth Science Week, October 11-17! This year's theme is Critical Minerals for a Thriving Society. Get the ESW Toolkit featuring a new activity, Monumental Minerals poster & resources for learners of all ages: MineralsEducationCoalition.o… #EarthScienceWeek #CriticalMinerals
This is an educational resource flyer from the Minerals Education Coalition titled "Critical Minerals Search." It includes images of various minerals and descriptions about their significance and application in technology. The SME Foundation and MEC logos are present. The flyer mentions a learning activity about minerals and encourages ordering an Earth Science Week resource toolkit.

ALT This is an educational resource flyer from the Minerals Education Coalition titled "Critical Minerals Search." It includes images of various minerals and descriptions about their significance and application in technology. The SME Foundation and MEC logos are present. The flyer mentions a learning activity about minerals and encourages ordering an Earth Science Week resource toolkit.

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Indium is a critical mineral with big technology applications. From LCD screens and touch displays to solar cells and semiconductors, this element helps power modern life. Explore Indium: tinyurl.com/32ptutjp #mining #engineering #CriticalMinerals #STEM
A group of shiny, metallic indium chunks displayed against a blue background. Text on the right reads, "INDIUM: A designated critical mineral in the United States." Logos at the bottom are for SME Foundation and MEC Minerals Education Coalition.

ALT A group of shiny, metallic indium chunks displayed against a blue background. Text on the right reads, "INDIUM: A designated critical mineral in the United States." Logos at the bottom are for SME Foundation and MEC Minerals Education Coalition.

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Cadmium powers more than you might think. It's used in rechargeable Ni-Cd batteries and an increasing number of semiconductor applications. Explore cadmium: tinyurl.com/4svjwpev #mining #MineralsMatter #STEMeducation #Engineering
A rough, silver-grey rock is shown against a blue background with text that reads: "Cadmium. Used to make nickel-cadmium ('Ni-cad') batteries." The image includes the logos of the SME Foundation and MEC, Minerals Education Coalition.

ALT A rough, silver-grey rock is shown against a blue background with text that reads: "Cadmium. Used to make nickel-cadmium ('Ni-cad') batteries." The image includes the logos of the SME Foundation and MEC, Minerals Education Coalition.

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Want a "Mining 101" resource? The free Mining in Society handbook introduces mining history, modern mining, and career opportunities through an accessible, activity-based format. Download your copy: tinyurl.com/383ffdy7 #mining #STEM #FutureWorkforce #MineralsMatter
The image features a cover of the "Mining in Society Merit Badge Handbook" from the Scouting America Merit Badge Series, depicting activities like cycling, mining, and construction. It is sponsored by the SME Foundation and the Minerals Education Coalition (MEC). The handbook is advertised as "Now Available for Free.

ALT The image features a cover of the "Mining in Society Merit Badge Handbook" from the Scouting America Merit Badge Series, depicting activities like cycling, mining, and construction. It is sponsored by the SME Foundation and the Minerals Education Coalition (MEC). The handbook is advertised as "Now Available for Free.

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Celebrate Earth Science Week 2026: Critical Minerals for a Thriving Society. Get the ESW Toolkit, featuring a new critical minerals activity, calendar, and free Monumental Minerals poster: MineralsEducationCoalition.o… #EarthScienceWeek #STEM #Geology #MineralsMatter
Promotional materials for Earth Science Week 2026 by the Minerals Education Coalition, featuring images of rocks and minerals, with the theme "Critical Minerals for a Thriving Society." The SME Foundation logo is displayed.

ALT Promotional materials for Earth Science Week 2026 by the Minerals Education Coalition, featuring images of rocks and minerals, with the theme "Critical Minerals for a Thriving Society." The SME Foundation logo is displayed.

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Ever wonder how iron ore becomes materials used in electrical applications? This colorful classroom poster traces the mining & processing of taconite & now includes updated information. Get the poster: tinyurl.com/33ksb9cj #mining #STEMeducation #MineralsMatter #Manufacturing
This image shows a detailed educational poster about iron mining and processing for electrical uses, created by the Minerals Education Coalition (MEC) and SME. The poster includes sections on the mining process, a map of iron-producing regions in the USA, various uses and products of iron, and related statistics. It features a visual representation of the steps involved in mining and processing, with images and descriptions. Two empty chairs and a wooden table with notebooks and pens are in front of the poster.

ALT This image shows a detailed educational poster about iron mining and processing for electrical uses, created by the Minerals Education Coalition (MEC) and SME. The poster includes sections on the mining process, a map of iron-producing regions in the USA, various uses and products of iron, and related statistics. It features a visual representation of the steps involved in mining and processing, with images and descriptions. Two empty chairs and a wooden table with notebooks and pens are in front of the poster.

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Rare earth elements don't usually occur alone, & lutetium is a great example. This rare earth metal (atomic number 71) is difficult to isolate because it's found alongside other rare earth elements in ore. More: tinyurl.com/42vp8zmv #mining #STEM #MineralsMatter #Chemistry
A silver-gray metallic mineral labeled "Lutetium" is displayed against a blue background. The logos of SME Foundation and Minerals Education Coalition are visible at the bottom right corner.

ALT A silver-gray metallic mineral labeled "Lutetium" is displayed against a blue background. The logos of SME Foundation and Minerals Education Coalition are visible at the bottom right corner.

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Did you know boron is a metalloid—an element with properties between metals and nonmetals? While elemental boron is a dark, unreactive solid, it's most often used in compounds like borax. Learn more: tinyurl.com/3sj2brjj #mining #engineering #MineralsMatter #STEMeducation
A large, textured white chunk of boron is centered against a blue background. The word "BORON" appears in bold white letters at the top left corner. In the bottom left corner, the SME Foundation and Minerals Education Coalition logos are displayed.

ALT A large, textured white chunk of boron is centered against a blue background. The word "BORON" appears in bold white letters at the top left corner. In the bottom left corner, the SME Foundation and Minerals Education Coalition logos are displayed.

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Did you know it takes 38,155 pounds of new minerals per person each year to make the products we rely on every day? Explore the 2026 Minerals Needed Every Year infographic, learn more: tinyurl.com/6n3tpx8j #mining #engineering #MineralsMatter #STEMeducation
This image is an infographic titled "Every Year," detailing the new minerals provided for each person in the United States. It lists various minerals with their specific uses and weights in pounds. Examples include stone for roads, sand for concrete, and iron ore for steel. The bottom section highlights energy fuels like petroleum, coal, natural gas, and uranium, with specific amounts listed. The layout includes images of the Earth and minerals as a background. The infographic is by the Minerals Education Coalition and SME Foundation.

ALT This image is an infographic titled "Every Year," detailing the new minerals provided for each person in the United States. It lists various minerals with their specific uses and weights in pounds. Examples include stone for roads, sand for concrete, and iron ore for steel. The bottom section highlights energy fuels like petroleum, coal, natural gas, and uranium, with specific amounts listed. The layout includes images of the Earth and minerals as a background. The infographic is by the Minerals Education Coalition and SME Foundation.

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Bromine is one of two elements that are liquid at room temperature—the other is mercury. In the U.S., it’s extracted from underground brine in Arkansas, where bromine-rich saltwater is pumped to the surface. More: tinyurl.com/3htu8e7m #mining #STEMeducation #MineralsMatter
A round-bottom flask filled with an orange-red liquid is suspended against a light blue background. The word "BROMINE" is prominently displayed in white text. Logos for SME Foundation and Minerals Education Coalition are located in the bottom right corner.

ALT A round-bottom flask filled with an orange-red liquid is suspended against a light blue background. The word "BROMINE" is prominently displayed in white text. Logos for SME Foundation and Minerals Education Coalition are located in the bottom right corner.

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Scouts explored mining careers at the 2026 National Scout Jamboree merit badge booth in West Virginia. Thanks to Core Natural Resources, WAAIME, Gimme Foundation, J.H. Fletcher & Co., and Conn-Weld. #mining #STEMeducation #FutureWorkforce
A group of people are gathered in a tent at a scouting event. One person is pointing at a "Mineral Scout" poster on the wall. Several individuals in bright green shirts are listening attentively. A table in the foreground displays various rock samples. Various banners and posters are displayed inside the tent.

ALT A group of people are gathered in a tent at a scouting event. One person is pointing at a "Mineral Scout" poster on the wall. Several individuals in bright green shirts are listening attentively. A table in the foreground displays various rock samples. Various banners and posters are displayed inside the tent.

A group of six people smiling, all wearing matching "Mining in Society" shirts and beige caps. They are inside a tent-like structure. A fan is visible in the background.

ALT A group of six people smiling, all wearing matching "Mining in Society" shirts and beige caps. They are inside a tent-like structure. A fan is visible in the background.

Two people are interacting with mining equipment simulation controls inside a simulator. One person is seated, holding a joystick, while the other stands and gestures at the screens displaying mining machinery in action.

ALT Two people are interacting with mining equipment simulation controls inside a simulator. One person is seated, holding a joystick, while the other stands and gestures at the screens displaying mining machinery in action.

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What makes rubies red? Chromium. Named from the Greek word for “color,” this element gives July’s birthstone its signature hue. Explore more about chromium: tinyurl.com/3a6yze5r #mining #STEMeducation #MineralsMatter #Geology
A vibrant mineral specimen with a mix of purple, blue, and gold colors is displayed on a blue background. The word "CHROMIUM" is written in bold white letters on the top left. The SME Foundation and Minerals Education Coalition logos are at the bottom left.

ALT A vibrant mineral specimen with a mix of purple, blue, and gold colors is displayed on a blue background. The word "CHROMIUM" is written in bold white letters on the top left. The SME Foundation and Minerals Education Coalition logos are at the bottom left.

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What goes into America's most iconic monuments? Discover the minerals behind them in the Monumental Minerals poster. Get the poster, plus student activities on the back and use code 'JULY20' for 20% off, now through July: tinyurl.com/7yx5h9hu #STEMeducation #MineralsMatter
Two educational posters are displayed above two chairs and desks. The poster on the left is titled "Monumental Minerals," featuring images of monuments and minerals. The poster on the right discusses the importance of STEM education with various illustrations and a map of the United States. Both posters are produced by the SME Minerals Education Coalition.

ALT Two educational posters are displayed above two chairs and desks. The poster on the left is titled "Monumental Minerals," featuring images of monuments and minerals. The poster on the right discusses the importance of STEM education with various illustrations and a map of the United States. Both posters are produced by the SME Minerals Education Coalition.

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The 2026 MEC Mineral Baby shows that an American born this year will need 3.01 million pounds of minerals, metals and fuels in their lifetime. Learn more about mineral statistics and download the new graphics: tinyurl.com/64czw2b3 #WhyMiningMatters #STEMEducation #EarthScience
This image is an infographic by the Minerals Education Coalition, titled "Every American Born Will Need...". It depicts various minerals and metals with their quantities in pounds: cement (56,000), clays (11,000), salt (11,000), iron ore (27,000), phosphate (18,000), stone, sand, and gravel (1.42 million), aluminum (958 lbs.), copper (1,100 lbs.), lead (800 lbs.), zinc (365 lbs.), gold (1.73 oz.), and more. The SME Foundation logo is present. The infographic highlights the total of 3.01 million pounds needed in a lifetime. Additional information is available at the Minerals Education Coalition website.

ALT This image is an infographic by the Minerals Education Coalition, titled "Every American Born Will Need...". It depicts various minerals and metals with their quantities in pounds: cement (56,000), clays (11,000), salt (11,000), iron ore (27,000), phosphate (18,000), stone, sand, and gravel (1.42 million), aluminum (958 lbs.), copper (1,100 lbs.), lead (800 lbs.), zinc (365 lbs.), gold (1.73 oz.), and more. The SME Foundation logo is present. The infographic highlights the total of 3.01 million pounds needed in a lifetime. Additional information is available at the Minerals Education Coalition website.

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Firework colors come from elements—and mixing them creates even more effects! Sodium produces yellow, while combining sodium and strontium creates a bright orange glow. See more: tinyurl.com/44ym3sr7 #mining #engineering #MineralsMatter #STEM
A vibrant display of orange fireworks fills the night sky. The bottom right corner features the SME Foundation and Minerals Education Coalition logos on a blue background.

ALT A vibrant display of orange fireworks fills the night sky. The bottom right corner features the SME Foundation and Minerals Education Coalition logos on a blue background.

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Rubidium is as reactive as it is useful. It helps power atomic clocks and medical imaging—but can burst into flames in air and explode in water. In fireworks, it creates a reddish-purple glow. Learn more here: tinyurl.com/46safvmv #mining #engineering #MineralsMatter #STEM
A rock with purple and white hues is displayed on a white background. The word "RUBIDIUM" is written in large, gold letters above the rock. The bottom left corner features logos for SME Foundation and Minerals Education Coalition.

ALT A rock with purple and white hues is displayed on a white background. The word "RUBIDIUM" is written in large, gold letters above the rock. The bottom left corner features logos for SME Foundation and Minerals Education Coalition.

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The rare earths, or rare earth elements (REE), are a relatively abundant group of elements consisting of scandium, yttrium, and the 15 elements of the lanthanide series of the periodic table. Learn more: tinyurl.com/bdn4awy4 #mining #engineering #MineralsMatter #STEM
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What goes into America’s most iconic monuments? Discover the minerals behind them in the Monumental Minerals poster. Get the poster, plus student activities on the back and use code 'JULY20' for 20% off, now through July: tinyurl.com/7yx5h9hu #STEMeducation #MineralsMatter
Two educational posters are displayed above two chairs and desks. The poster on the left is titled "Monumental Minerals," featuring images of monuments and minerals. The poster on the right discusses the importance of STEM education with various illustrations and a map of the United States. Both posters are produced by the SME Minerals Education Coalition.

ALT Two educational posters are displayed above two chairs and desks. The poster on the left is titled "Monumental Minerals," featuring images of monuments and minerals. The poster on the right discusses the importance of STEM education with various illustrations and a map of the United States. Both posters are produced by the SME Minerals Education Coalition.

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