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Coal miners inside a mine near Estevan, circa 1912. Western Development Museum 6-B-1
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONSGrade Five Science, Core Unit: Resources
http://www.sasked.gov.sk.ca/docs/elemsci/gr5udesc.html
LESSON OVERVIEWStudents will discover that Saskatchewan is rich in resources,
both in quantity and variety.
RESOURCES AND MATERIALSFast Facts information (at the end of resource package)
Paper and art supplies
Access to the school library and Internet
PROCEDUREPrepare to teach by reviewing the Fast Facts at the end of
this resource package. A number of additional references
are also listed in the resources section at the end of this
package for your information.
Introduce the topic of natural resources in the province
by brainstorming with the students about what kinds of
materials are harvested and extracted for economic gain.
(Non-renewable resources include uranium, potash, coal,
oil and natural gas, gold, diamonds, sodium sulphate, salt,
peat, clay, sand and gravel. Renewable resources include
forestry, wind power, hydroelectric power, solar power, fi sh,
game and wild harvested products like mushrooms and
certain plants.) What do the students think the materials are
used for? Are natural resources in Saskatchewan used only
here, or are they shipped across Canada, North America
or around the world? Introduce or review the defi nitions
of renewable (can be regenerated in a short time frame
– months, years or decades) and non-renewable (cannot
be regenerated in a human life-span) resources.
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2. Divide the students into small groups and assign one natural
resource to each group. Each group will research a natural
resource and create an informative poster. Students should
be encouraged to fi nd pictures, maps or samples for their
posters. On their posters, the students should answer the
following questions:
Is the resource renewable or non-renewable?
Where and when was it discovered in the province?
Where and how is the resource currently harvested or
mined?
How is it used, and what products is it used to make?
Where are the markets for the resource?
Are there any environmental concerns related to
mining or extracting the resource? How does it affect
the landscape?
3.
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S a s k a tc h e wa n T re a s u re sNa t ura l R e s o urce sGrade Five Science
LESSON PLAN ONE: CLASSROOM INTRODUCTION TO THE THEMELESSON PLAN ONE: CLASSROOM INTRODUCTION TO THE THEME
108
ADAPTATION AND EXTENSIONTo help familiarize students with Saskatchewan’s vast
array of natural resources, create a series of question cards
about Saskatchewan’s natural resources and play a trivia
game.
1.
LESSON OVERVIEWStudents will explore the contents of a discovery box and tour
exhibits in the Museum.
RESOURCES AND MATERIALSMaterials and information sent to you in your Museum tour
confi rmation package.
PROCEDUREPrepare to teach and to tour the Museum by reviewing
the resources listed. Divide your class into groups before
the visit. Discuss the required number of groups with the
Museum Programmer when you book your visit. Select
other staff members or parents to lead the groups. Advise
the group leader about what they will have to do.
Students will visit a Western Development Museum in
Moose Jaw, North Battleford, Saskatoon or Yorkton. The
entire class will assemble for a welcome and orientation.
The class will be divided into two, three or more groups.
Students will interact with artifacts, replicas and
photographs located in a discovery box. A leader’s script
included in the discovery box will spearhead discussion.
The class will tour pertinent exhibits in the Museum using
a tour handout to guide their exploration. This handout
may be a question-and-answer sheet or scavenger hunt.
A tour script for the group leader will be sent to you with
confi rmation of your Museum tour booking.
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LESSON PLAN TWO: AT THE MUSEUMLESSON PLAN TWO: AT THE MUSEUM
In the Saskatchewan Treasures - Natural Resources discovery box, students will see and touch samples of our renewable and non-renewable resources. Aided by maps, students will discuss the location of resources in Saskatchewan and how these resources have contributed to our wellbeing.
Saskatchewan TreasuresNatural ResourcesG r a d e F i v e S c i e n c e
109
The Pas Lumber Company cars and mill, Reserve, SK, circa 1949. Saskatchewan History and Folklore Society, Everett Baker Collection 6256
LESSON OVERVIEWStudents will trace the pathway of petroleum products to
gain an appreciation for the many ways in which natural
resources can be utilized, how widespread their impact is on
the world, and the environmental impact of their extraction and
processing. Students will be asked to consider how the negative
environmental impact of petroleum use could be minimized,
and how they could contribute.
RESOURCES AND MATERIALSA selection of items from the petroleum products list
gathered by the teacher (appendix one)
Copies of the petroleum products list (appendix one)
PROCEDUREIntroduce the topic of petroleum by asking students what
they know about it. Petroleum or crude oil is formed from
organic matter (partially decayed plants, animals and
microbes), which has been buried deep in the earth by
layers and layers of sedimentary rock. Over time, heat
and pressure transform the organic matter into crude oil.
Because petroleum is lighter than water, it moves upwards
through ground water and fi lls tiny crevices in the rocks
until it reaches an impenetrable layer where the cracks are
too small for it to pass through. The petroleum remains
there until it is extracted through drilling. In Saskatchewan,
the fi rst commercial discovery of crude oil dates back
to 1944 in the Lloydminster area. During the 1950s and
1960s, an intensive exploration effort was undertaken
resulting in the discovery of signifi cant reserves.
Since that time, Saskatchewan has grown to become
Canada’s second largest crude oil producer after Alberta,
contributing 21 percent of Canada’s total production in
2005. Saskatchewan had over 20,000 active wells. The
province’s reserves contain the equivalent of 35-billion
barrels of oil. The petroleum industry is very important to
Saskatchewan’s economy. The revenue generated from
petroleum leases, taxes and royalties was $906.9 million
for 2004/2005. Many Saskatchewan people are employed
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1. directly by oil drilling companies, as well as companies
which service the oil industry and in related facilities
like Moose Jaw Asphalt Inc.; Consumers’ Co-operative
Refi neries Ltd. in Regina, Canada’s fi rst heavy oil upgrader;
NewGrade Energy Inc., which converts heavy crude into
lighter products used by the Co-op Refi nery; and the heavy
oil upgrader in Lloydminster owned by Husky Oil.
Ask the students what they think petroleum is used for.
Students will likely know that it is used to produce fuel to
run automobiles and other machines. Ask the students to
take a look around the classroom and pick out any objects
that might be made using petroleum products. Bring
out the various items that you have collected that have
been made using petroleum products for the students to
examine. Explain that although the main use of petroleum
is as a fuel, it is also used to make all plastics, asphalt for
road construction, paraffi n wax and much more (see list
in appendix one). Are they surprised by the vast number
of items that are made from petroleum products? Ask the
students to look around the room again. What other items
can they spy that may be made with petroleum products?
2.
LESSON PLAN THREE: WHEN A MUSEUM VISIT ISN’T POSSIBLELESSON PLAN THREE: WHEN A MUSEUM VISIT ISN’T POSSIBLE
Saskatchewan TreasuresNatural ResourcesG r a d e F i v e S c i e n c e
110
Discuss with students the environmental impacts of
extracting, manufacturing and using petroleum products.
There are environmental concerns for land and ecosystem
disturbances due to investigation and drilling. There
is the potential for oil spills that can severely damage
ecosystems. Improper recycling of oil and other products
can pollute the environment. Plastics discarded in landfi lls
take a long time to degrade. The burning of fuels releases
carbon dioxide which contributes to global warming.
Discuss ways in which these environmental effects have
been minimized over time. For example, thanks to cleaner
burning gasolines, it would now take 37 cars to produce
the same emissions as one car in the 1960s, motor oils,
paints and other solvents can be recycled, and oil drilling
and excavation methods are being developed to minimize
site disturbance.
3. Distribute copies of the sheet from appendix one entitled
“Petroleum Products.” Using the list of petroleum products
as a reference, instruct the students to write a page about
how we could contribute to minimizing the environmental
effects of petroleum use, like identifying products they
could recycle from plastics to motor oil, encouraging
family to walk, bike or take public transportation, using
alternatives like cloth diapers instead of disposable ones
and so on.
4.
ADAPTATION AND EXTENSIONVisit a local museum. Go to www.saskmuseums.org to check
out museums and heritage sites around Saskatchewan.
Some of the museums located throughout the province
that explore and preserve Saskatchewan’s natural
resource industry history include: Kamsack Powerhouse
Museum – Kamsack; Nipawin Living Forestry Museum
– Nipawin; Northern Gateway Museum – Denare Beach;
Goodsoil Historical Museum – Goodsoil; Meadow Lake
Museum – Meadow Lake; Vintage Power Museum –
Prince Albert; Conservation Learning Museum – Prince
Albert; Souris Valley Museum – Estevan; Claybank Brick
Plant National Historic Site - Claybank; Swift Current
Museum – Swift Current; Barr Colony Heritage Cultural
Centre – Lloydminster; Saskatchewan Science Centre –
Regina; Royal Saskatchewan Museum – Regina; Potash
Interpretive Centre - Esterhazy.
Arrange a tour of a facility in your area by contacting one
of the many resource development companies located
throughout the province Visit a potash mine, peat moss
plant, diamond mine, coal mine, or wind power project.
SaskPower and Shand Greenhouse, for example, offer
a school room presentation for grades fi ve to six called
“Energy and Our Environment”. If you are interested
in booking this presentation for your school, contact:
Shand Greenhouse toll free: 1-866-SPTREES, or email
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Saskatchewan TreasuresNatural ResourcesG r a d e F i v e S c i e n c e
111
Cory Potash Mine, Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan, Highway 7 southwest of Saskatoon, 2005. Ruth Bitner Photo
LESSON OVERVIEWStudents will discuss some of the up and coming initiatives in
Saskatchewan to utilize renewable sources to produce energy.
Students will create their own short commercial to inform
people of why using renewable energy is important.
RESOURCES AND MATERIALSAccess to school library and Internet
Pictures and/or props gathered by the students
PROCEDUREBegin the lesson by reviewing the difference between
renewable (can be regenerated in a short time frame –
months, years or decades) and non-renewable (cannot be
regenerated in a human life-span) resources. Ask students
to give examples of renewable and non-renewable
resources in Saskatchewan that they have learned about
during the previous lessons.
Explain that more and more, as greenhouse gas emissions
from the combustion of fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural
gas continue to increase, contributing to climate change and
other environmental problems, and costs increase, we look
to more renewable and environmentally-friendly options. In
Saskatchewan, methods to exploit renewable resources to
generate electricity, heat and fuel have been developed,
and more investigation is ongoing. In Saskatchewan,
wind turbines and hydroelectric plants generate electrical
power, ethanol and canola bio-diesel production creates
new markets for Saskatchewan’s farmers and employment
in related processing facilities, solar heating, solar electric
energy and even burning grain to heat homes are being
tested and implemented on a small-scale.
Brainstorm about the positives and negatives of both
renewable and non-renewable resource use. Draw a
chart on the black/whiteboard to document the student
comments.
Discuss ways in which people can reduce their consumption
of fossil fuel energy, and in turn help the environment by
reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Possible examples
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include turning lights off when they leave a room, walking
to school or taking the bus, recycling, using energy-effi cient
light bulbs and appliances and using cold water to wash
clothes. You may want to start off the discussion by asking
the students to think of the ways in which we use energy
in our daily lives.
There are positive environmental and economic reasons,
along with some limitations, regarding the development
of renewable resources to meet some of Saskatchewan’s
energy needs. In Saskatchewan we rely heavily on the
burning of non-renewable fossil fuels (fuels formed in the
ground from the remains of dead plants and animals, and
include oil, natural gas and coal) to generate electricity
and to run automobiles and other machines. Divide the
class into small groups and assign each group one of the
following renewable resources: wind power, hydroelectric
power or ethanol production. Each group will prepare a
short television commercial outlining the benefi ts of using
their assigned renewable resource, and how each resource
is currently being used in Saskatchewan. Encourage the
students to gather pictures and props to enhance their
productions.
Have the students perform the commercials for the class
or a larger group of your choice.
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LESSON PLAN FOUR: CLASSROOM WRAP-UPLESSON PLAN FOUR: CLASSROOM WRAP-UP
Saskatchewan TreasuresNatural ResourcesG r a d e F i v e S c i e n c e
112
ADAPTATION AND EXTENSIONInvestigate the Craik Sustainable Living Project in Craik,
Saskatchewan at http://www.craikecovillage.ca to learn
about this ecologically sustainable development on the
prairies. Let this project stimulate the class to build a model
of a home or school that utilizes sustainable alternatives to
meet electrical, heat and water needs.
Survey your students. If any of them have a connection to
someone who works in the resource development industry,
invite them to the classroom to discuss his or her work.
Visit the SaskPower website for more information on
power generation and to view coal, hydroelectric and
wind power animations. http://www.saskpower.com/
powerandenvironment/powerandenvironment.shtml.
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Saskatchewan TreasuresNatural ResourcesG r a d e F i v e S c i e n c e
113
RESOURCES
WDM Resources
A number of WDM research papers on various resources can be found at http://www.wdm.ca/
skteacherguide/.
A Noble Quest: The Search for Gold in Saskatchewan
Diamond Drills and Saskatchewan Thrills
Sand, Gravel, and Stone
Peat Production in Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan’s Clay Resources
Logging in Saskatchewan
What a Rush! Staking Mineral Claims in Saskatchewan’s North
Prospecting
Saskatchewan’s Uranium Bonanza
Nourishing the Crops of the World: Saskatchewan’s Potash Industry
Saskatchewan’s Long History of Coal Mining
The Development of Oil and Natural Gas in Saskatchewan
General Information
25 Saskatchewan Science Achievements: http://www.sk25.ca
Industry and Resources, Government of Saskatchewan: http://www.ir.gov.sk.ca/
Saskatchewan Mining Association: http://www.saskmining.ca/ (includes many good photos)
Natural Resources Canada: http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/inter/index¬_e.html
SaskPower Power Museum: http://www.saskpower.com/pm/index.shtml
Climate Change Saskatchewan: http://www.climatechangesask.ca
Saskatchewan EcoNetwork: http://econet.sk.ca
Craik Sustainable Living Project: http://www.craikecovillage.ca
Re-energy.ca renewable energy project: http://www.re-energy.ca
Fung, Ka-iu, ed. Atlas of Saskatchewan. Saskatoon: University of Saskatchewan, 1999.
The Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan. Regina: Canadian Plains Research Centre, 2005. The
Encyclopedia of Saskatchewan is available online at http://www.esask.ca
Waiser, Bill. Saskatchewan: A New History. Calgary: Fifth House Publishers, 2005.
Forestry
Saskatchewan Forestry Association: http://www.whitebirch.ca
Prince Albert Model Forest: http://www.pamodelforest.sk.ca
Saskatchewan Forest Centre: http://www.saskforestcentre.ca
Weyerhaeuser: http://www.weyerhaeuser.com/
Forestry in Saskatchewan, Unit Outline (Elementary): http://www.usask.ca/education/ideas/
tplan/sslp/forestry.htm
Forestry in Saskatchewan: http://www.saskschools.ca/~gregory/sask/forestry.html
Uranium
Cameco: http://www.cameco.com/ (see especially “Let’s Learn About Uranium” section)
Cogema: http://www.cri.ca/
Canadian Nuclear Association: http://www.cna.ca/
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Saskatchewan TreasuresNatural ResourcesG r a d e F i v e S c i e n c e
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Potash
PotashCorp: http://www.potashcorp.com/
Agrium: http://www.agrium.com/home.jsp
Potash: http://www.ir.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=3558,3541,3538,3385,2936,Documents
Potash Mining In Saskatchewan: http://www.saskschools.ca/~gregory/sask/potash.html
Gold
Shore Gold: http://www.shoregold.com/
Claude Resources: http://www.clauderesources.com/
Diamonds
Shane Resources: http://www.shaneresources.com/diamondinfo.html
Diamonds: http://www.ir.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=3551,3541,3538,3385,2936,Documents
Coal
SaskPower: http://www.saskpower.com
Coal: http://www.ir.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=3549,3541,3538,3385,2936,Documents
Coal: http://www.saskschools.ca/~gregory/sask/mining.html
Memories of Shand: History of a Saskatchewan Coal Mining Community: http://cap.estevan.
sk.ca/Shand/Memories/
Coal Mining: http://geoscape.nrcan.gc.ca/sask/resources_e.php
Oil & Natural Gas
SaskEnergy: http://www.saskenergy.com/ (see especially “Kids Zone,” which includes a slide
show and games, as well as “Teacher’s Aide”)
Claude Resources: http://www.clauderesources.com/
Imperial Oil: http://www.imperialoil.ca/Canada-English/HomePage.asp
Saskatchewan’s Oil and Gas Resources: http://www.ir.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=3384,2936,
Documents
Natural Gas and Oil: http://www.saskschools.ca/~gregory/sask/mining.html
Oil (Petroleum): http://www.saskschools.ca/~gregory/sask/oil.html
Natural Gas: http://www.saskschools.ca/~gregory/sask/ngas.html
Natural Gas: http://www.ir.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=3802,3541,3538,3385,2936, Documents
Salt
“Our World of Salt,” Sifto Canada Inc.: http://www.siftocanada.com/saltbookframe.html
Sodium Sulphate
Saskatchewan Minerals Sodium Sulphate Plant: http://www.saskminerals.org
Sodium Sulphate: http://www.ir.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=3562,3541,3538,3385,2936,Documents
Wind
SaskPower: http://www.saskpower.com
Canadian Wind Energy Association: http://www.canwea.ca/
Canadian Renewable Energy Network: http://www.canren.gc.ca
Hydroelectric
SaskPower: http://www.saskpower.com
Canadian Renewable Energy Network: http://www.canren.gc.ca
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Saskatchewan TreasuresNatural ResourcesG r a d e F i v e S c i e n c e
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Clay
A Little Brick Plant in the Middle of Nowhere: Claybank Brick Plant National Historic Site and
Museum, Claybank, Saskatchewan: http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/CommunityMemories/
ADFK/00aa/Exhibits/English/
Clay: http://www.ir.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=3548,3541,3538,3385,2936,Documents
A Tale that is Told: Estevan Brick Ltd.”: http://cap.estevan.sk.ca/community/ATaleThatIsTold/
chapt04/EstevanBrick.html
Claybank Brick Plant Historical Society: http://www.sasktelwebsite.net/cbphm/index.htm
Peat
Peat: http://www.ir.gov.sk.ca/default.aspx?DN=3557,3541,3538,3385,2936,Documents
Ethanol
Ethanol: http://www.fuels05.ca
Saskatchewan Ethanol Development Council Inc.: http://www.saskethanol.com
Saskatchewan Eco Network: http://econet.sk.ca/issues/ethanol/index.html
Pound-Maker Agventures Ltd.: http://www.pound-maker.ca
Solar
Climate Change Saskatchewan: http://www.climatechangesask.ca/html/learn_more/Solutions/
Solar_Power/index.cfm
Kelln Solar: http://www.kellnsolar.com
Canadian Renewable Energy Network: http://www.canren.gc.ca
“Saskatchewan Solar Power Pioneers” on Saskatchewan Eco Network: http://www.econet.
sk.ca/solutions/energy/pioneers.html
Geothermal
Geothermal Energy: http://www.templegardens.sk.ca/liquid_gold.html
Geoscape Southern Saskatchewan: Geoscience for Prairie communities: http://geoscape.
nrcan.gc.ca/sask/index_e.php
Dwight’s Geothermal: http://www.dwightsgeothermal.com/index.htm
Fisheries
Saskatchewan Environment: http://www.se.gov.sk.ca/fi sheries
Saskatchewan Tourism Fishing Outfi tters and Lodges: http://www.sasktourism.com/default.
asp?page=18&menu=47
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Saskatchewan TreasuresNatural ResourcesG r a d e F i v e S c i e n c e
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FAST FACTSGeneral
Saskatchewan’s natural resources include a spectrum of precious and base metals and other
minerals, including copper, zinc, gold, lead, cadmium, platinum group metals, rare earths,
nickel, silver and selenium
Industrial minerals found in the province include sodium sulphate, silica sand, clays, peat, and salt.
Mining uses only 0.1% of available land in Saskatchewan, which is less than the size of the city
of Saskatoon!
Forestry
More than half of Saskatchewan is forested - about 355,000 square kilometres
The province’s commercial softwoods include balsam fi r, black spruce, jack pine, tamarack and
white spruce. Hardwoods include balsam poplar, trembling aspen and white birch.
Fishing
In Saskatchewan, fi shery resources are used by recreational anglers, by First Nations for
subsistence and commercial fi shing.
In 2004, there were about 500 licensed commercial fi shermen in the northern part of the
province. Over 80 percent of those licensed were First Nations.
In Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and the Northwest Territories, the sale of fi sh is
governed by the Fresh Fish Marketing Corporation. Independent fi shermen can sell their catch
directly to fi sh processing facilities and consumers within Saskatchewan.
Fur
Long before Saskatchewan became a province or European fur traders arrived, First Nations
trapped and traded furs with an established network of other groups.
In Saskatchewan there are 25 species of animals with marketable pelts including lynx, coyote,
muskrat, otter and marten. Swift foxes are endangered and their pelts cannot be harvested.
Trappers in Saskatchewan must obtain a trapper’s license. They can sell their pelts independently
to local dealers or the large fur auction houses out of province.
The Saskatchewan fur industry fl uctuates with market demand, and the demand for furs
has been decreasing over time. However, the trapping industry is an important source of
supplemental income for many trappers and important to the preservation of traditional First
Nations lifestyles.
Uranium
A massive uranium deposit was discovered in northwestern Saskatchewan in 1949.
Saskatchewan is the world’s largest uranium producer, with about 34% of the world’s uranium
production.
Uranium is one of the more common elements in the earth’s crust, found naturally in the rocks,
soil, rivers and oceans of the planet. Nuclear fi ssion, the process by which the nuclei of uranium
atoms are split, releases energy in the forms of heat and radiation. This energy is harnessed to
generate electricity.
Uranium mines are located in the northern quarter of the province.
Uranium is used to fuel nuclear reactors to generate power. It is also used to create radioisotopes
used in the treatment diseases like cancer, and to sterilize medical equipment and extend the
shelf-life of some foods through the process of irradiation.
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Saskatchewan TreasuresNatural ResourcesG r a d e F i v e S c i e n c e
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Potash
Potash was discovered in Saskatchewan during oil drilling in the 1940s.
Saskatchewan is the largest potash producer and exporter in the world - supplying one-third
of world demand.
Potash is a nutrient essential for plant growth, and is a cornerstone of modern agricultural
fertilizers. Roughly 95 per cent of world potash production goes into fertilizer, while the other
fi ve per cent is used in commercial and industrial products - everything from soap to television
tubes.
Potash got its name in Europe where there was a long tradition of burning wood or seaweed
and leaching the ashes in water. Then the solution was evaporated in large iron pots. What was
left was a hard, white residue called potash.
Saskatchewan had the world’s fi rst solution potash mine in 1964, and all 10 mines were in
production by 1971.
Six of Saskatchewan’s ten potash mines operate near Saskatoon. They mine the upper potash
layer, known as the Patience Lake Member. In the south, three are operating in the lower potash
layer, known as the Esterhazy Member. A solution mine just outside of Regina is the only mine
operating in the Belle Plaine Member, at depths of about 1,600 metres.
Potash is important around the world in helping to feed a rapidly expanding population that
must grow its food on diminishing amounts of arable land. Many of the world’s major crops are
being nourished with Saskatchewan potash, including corn, soybeans, coffee, rice, tobacco
and potatoes.
Saskatchewan’s potash is sold in more than 35 countries. About fi ve per cent is consumed in
Canada. Approximately 70% of exports (about 9 million tonnes) go to the U.S., where it supplies
about 70% of the market demand, mostly in the northern part of the U.S. Midwest. The other
25%, about 5 million tonnes, goes beyond North America to the Pacifi c Rim and other offshore
markets, including China, Japan, Malaysia, Korea, Indonesia, Australia and Brazil.
Coal
Saskatchewan is the third-largest coal producer in Canada, with reserves in excess of 30 billion
tonnes.
Coal mining in Saskatchewan dates back to 1857.
Coal is about 100 million years old, formed from buried swamp plants at the edges of ancient
seas. The plant matter has been converted into a fuel by pressure and heat.
The same coalfi elds are being mined today as have been harvested since the late 1880s.
The surface-mineable deposits of the Ravenscrag Formation are located in three coal basins:
Estevan/Bienfait, Willow Bunch/Wood Mountain and Shaunavon.
Oil and Gas
Fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas, and coal, are formed from organic material such as plants
and animals that over millions of years, have come under intense pressure and increased
temperature.
Oil deposits in Saskatchewan are found in pores, cracks, and microscopic holes in porous
rocks such as sandstone and limestone.
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Saskatchewan TreasuresNatural ResourcesG r a d e F i v e S c i e n c e
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Saskatchewan’s fi rst commercial crude oil discovery was made in 1944. Saskatchewan is the
second largest oil producer in Canada after Alberta. The province produces approximately 21 per
cent of total Canadian oil production. Most of the oil Saskatchewan produces is exported. After
extraction, oil is transported by pipeline or truck to be processed in refi neries, where it is convert-
ed to gasoline, diesel, aviation, and other fuel for its single largest use - transportation. Additional
uses of refi ned petroleum products include the manufacture of lubricants, asphalt, and plastics.
Natural gas was struck in 1911 while boring a water well on the farm of Joseph Frank, north of
Estevan.
Saskatchewan’s fi rst commercial natural gas well, Discovery No.1 near Lloydminster, was
drilled in 1934.
In Saskatchewan, over 81% of households use natural gas for heating.
Gold
Gold has been prized by humans throughout recorded history, and used in jewellery and
ceremonial wear, and as a store of value (money). It is also an important industrial metal.
Because it is resistant to corrosion and is a very good conductor of electricity, gold is widely
used in electronic applications.
Gold was fi rst discovered in Saskatchewan in the North Saskatchewan River near Prince
Albert in 1859. Saskatchewan began producing gold in small quantities in the early 1900s and
possibly earlier from panning and dredging operations on the North Saskatchewan River and
its tributaries.
Diamonds
The discovery of kimberlite pipes and diamonds led to extensive exploration and drilling by
more than 30 companies.
The fi rst discovery of kimberlite (a potentially diamond-bearing rock) in Saskatchewan was
made in 1988, in the Sturgeon Lake area, about 30 km northwest of Prince Albert.
Kimberlites were found in 1989 in the Fort à la Corne area. With over 70 kimberlite bodies
identifi ed, the Fort à la Corne Kimberlite ranks among the world’s largest.
Sodium Suphate
Sodium sulphate deposits are found in alkaline lakes with restricted drainage in southern
Saskatchewan. Sodium sulphate is used in the glass, detergent, deodorizer, textile and pulp
industries.
Saskatchewan Minerals is a leading producer of sodium sulphate in North America. It now
operates a plant at Chaplin, and owns a plant at Ingebright Lake near Fox Valley, which in
2005 was on standby. Miller Western Industries operates the Palo Plant at the Whitehorse Lake
deposit near Landis.
Salt
The Saskatchewan salt industry produces a number of different salt products including fi ne
vacuum pan table salt, water softening salt, livestock salt, road de-icing salt. Some salt is
further processed into caustic soda and chlorine chemicals for pulp and paper.
The earliest production of salt in Saskatchewan was by the Senlac Salt Co. around 1920 near
Senlac.
Salt deposits were discovered at Unity in 1945. Sifto currently operates a plant at Unity which
has been operating since 1949.
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Clay
The term “clay” refers to a varied group of soft, fi ne grained natural earthy materials which
become plastic when moist. Clay minerals derive from ancient igneous and metamorphic rocks
which have been weathered and altered over time. In Saskatchewan, clays include such types
as bentonite, brick and ceramic clays and kaolinite.
In the past, clay products were mined and bricks were produced at several locations. The
Claybank Brick Plant in the Dirt Hills operated between 1914 and 1989. Near Estevan, clay
suitable for brick making was found along the banks of the Souris River by early coal miners. By
1902, typical buff coloured brick was being manufactured by several small outfi ts in the Estevan
area. The Bruno Clayworks operated between 1905 and 1946.
Saskatchewan made brick has been used to construct many buildings within Saskatchewan and
outside its borders including the Bessborough Hotel in Saskatoon and the Chateau Frontenac
in Quebec. Fire brick from Claybank was used to line steam engine fi re boxes and Second
World War Corvettes, and was used to construct launch pads at Cape Canaveral in the 1970s.
At present, three major companies produce clay products in Saskatchewan.
Alternative Renewable Energy Sources
Geothermal
Special geothermal units can utilize the heat from deep within the earth to provide heating
for buildings. During summer, the same units can draw hot air out and down into the earth to
provide cooling. Geothermal systems are effi cient and low maintenance, and provide great cost
and energy savings over conventional natural gas, propane, electric and oil furnaces.
Did you know that between 1932 and 1957 the Natatorium (an indoor swimming pool) in Moose
Jaw was supplied with warm water from a 1000 metre well?
The Temple Gardens Mineral Spa in Moose Jaw utilizes geothermally heated mineral water to
fi ll its hot pools.
Wind Power
Saskatchewan is a leader in the development of alternative wind power projects. Three
developments are currently operating in Saskatchewan which supply power generated from
wind energy to the provincial electrical grid: the Centennial Wind Power Facility (operated by
SaskPower) near Swift Current, and the Cypress Wind Power Facility (operated by SaskPower)
and SunBridge Wind Power Project (joint venture between Suncor and Enbridge) near Gull Lake.
Hydroelectricity
Hydroelectricity is generated by falling water which turns a turbine, which then rotates a
generator to produce power.
SaskPower currently operates the Athabasca, Coteau Creek, Nipawin, E.B. Campbell and
Island Falls hydroelectric stations.
Solar Energy
Solar energy is the generation of heat and electricity using the energy derived from the sun.
In Saskatchewan, solar energy is being tapped on a small scale in some homes, and on farms
to power things like livestock watering systems, water pumps and electric fences.
SaskPower is researching the potential of tapping solar energy as a viable green energy
alternative.
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Ethanol
There exists great potential for the development of an ethanol industry in Saskatchewan.
Ethanol, also known as grain alcohol, can be produced from grain grown here in Saskatchewan.
Ethanol can be blended with petroleum gasoline to produce a high octane fuel that is cleaner
burning. Because ethanol contains 35 percent oxygen, it results in greater combustion and less
emissions.
Saskatchewan became the fi rst province to pass legislation mandating the use of ethanol in its
gasoline. The ethanol mandate began November 1, 2005.
Saskatchewan ethanol production is expected to increase. In 2005, one plant called Pound-
Maker Agventures was operational near Lanigan, and two other plants were under construction
in Weyburn and Lloydminster.
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APPENDIX ONEProducts Derived From Petroleum
Computers
Toys
Telephones
Linoleum
Glue
Shoes
Disposable Diapers
Shampoo
Soft Contact Lenses
Credit Cards
Milk Jugs
Balloons
Heart Valve Replacements and Artifi cial Hearts
Antihistamines
Antiseptics
Aspirin
CD Players and Compact Discs
Crayons
Fertilizers
Furniture
Garbage bags
House Paint and Paintbrushes
Inks and Dyes
Lipstick
Pantyhose
Cameras and Film
Photographs
Candles
Roofi ng Shingles
Toothpaste
Vitamin Capsules
Rubbing Alcohol
Clothing
Oil Filters
Insecticides
Dishwashing Soap
Tires
And more…
Saskatchewan TreasuresNatural ResourcesG r a d e F i v e S c i e n c e