The Geoconservation debate

The new ELI this week is 'Take it or leave it? - the geoconservation debate; when is collecting wrong, and when is it right? Try to decide for yourself' Should you take geological specimens away from the site where they are found? This is a difficult question and it depends on where you are and who you are.
This activity asks pupils to discuss which minerals/ rocks/ fossils could be collected and which should be left for others to use or enjoy. Pupils are given ten cards of the type and situation of different mineral/ rock/ fossil specimens and are asked to discuss the best place for these on a scale of ‘always take’ to ‘never take’. The ‘answers’ depend upon a range of circumstances. Possible ‘answers’ are listed in the activity.
This is one of many thought-provoking, Earth-related activities on our website.