Fool's Gold Panning Activity

Let the kids pan for fool's gold (pyrite) with this single-use activity set.

• You'll receive a 4-cup bag of mixed soil and rock, containing dozens and dozens of little pyrite grains.

• Add 1/2 cup of mix into a bowl (not included) for each student, swirl and swish with water, and simulate a stream placer deposit.

• Students will see how dense materials are concentrated in the bowl while finer grains escape with the water.

One bag provides 1/2 cup of mix to 8 students.

Classical Conversations Directors: This is perfect for the Cycle 1 (Week 13) "Sinkers" activity.