Welcome to Out of the Rock!
Have some fun learning about Idaho's mineral resources: what they are, where they are found, and how they are obtained for our use.
The goal is to gain an appreciation for what comes "Out of the Rock". Let’s get started!
Activities
Click here for Out of the Rock Activities.
Games
Click here for rock and mineral games.
FAQs
Click here to check out our frequently asked questions.
FAQs
Did you know that 65 different minerals are required to produce a modern computer? Mining gives us metals, sand, gravel, industrial materials, oil, coal and natural gas that we need to maintain our quality of life. The U.S. mining industry also contributes around 80 billion dollars to the economy! Visit the following sites for more mining information, videos and activities.
Click here to learn more about the mines in Idaho.
Visit the Idaho Department of Lands to learn about Idaho’s mining industry.
Click here to learn about Idaho’s mining history.
Click here for mining fact sheets.
Visit the National Mining Administration and The United States Department of Energy to learn about mining in the U.S.
The Idaho Mining Association (IMA) is dedicated to rock, mineral and mining education. For over 20 years, IMA has supported students and teachers in learning earth science topics from the Idaho Content Standards, by providing a variety of educational resources, including the annual Out of the Rock Workshop . The workshop contributes the following to participating Idaho ecucators.
- A stipend to assist rock and mineral education in the classroom
- Rock and mineral lessons, music, posters, gold panning kits and rock and mineral samples and testing supplies
- An Idaho City field trip for workshop participants
- Potential for Boise State University credit for workshop participants