The Minerals Education Coalition (MEC) is a program of the SME Foundation. MEC’s mission is to identify, produce and disseminate fact-based K-12 minerals education lessons and activities and to inform and educate the general public about the importance of mining in their everyday lives.
Low-Cost Supplemental Materials
The MEC Store offers posters, panning supplies, activities and more to supplement your K–12 educational outreach.
MEC Scouting Outreach
SME and the MEC worked with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) to develop the Mining in Society merit badge, including the requirements, pamphlet, badge design and other materials. Learn how to promote the Mining in Society merit badge, volunteer at Jamborees or become a merit badge counselor. The MEC Scouting Subcommittee focuses on supporting the Mining in Society merit badge and all of MEC’s scouting outreach efforts.
Move Mining
Move Mining is a dynamic competition that takes place at the SME Annual Conference & Expo and addresses the goal to improve the perception of mining.
Move Mining Next Gen
Teams of K-12 students create short videos showing how mining is important to their lives and compete for prizes. Make sure your children and grandchildren enter the contest too!
Volunteer Opportunities
MEC offers a variety of ways for SME members to volunteer. Interested in working with teachers? An NSTA area conference may be a great time for you to share your industry knowledge. Into Scouting? Perhaps volunteering at a Jamboree or as a merit badge counselor is for you. Do you enjoy talking to children about mining? The USA Science and Engineering Festival happens every two years, and there are thousands of eager learners there! Contact mec@smenet.org for more information.
SME Outreach Resources
Find resources developed specifically for you--SME members, sections and student chapters--to assist you in preparing and conducting outreach for K–12 students and other local community members.