Panning for gold

We panned for gold like prospectors during California gold rush did. Our amazement and joy were endless having found chunks and flakes of shining GOLD.

All children were given a miners pan, tools and a bag of gold enriched gravel. Our prospectors received clear instructions of pouring the gravel into the pan and gradually sift through it using techniques made popular during the California gold rush. After a little bit of panning, gold chunks and flakes appeared at the bottom of the dish. We picked them with tweezers and pipette to display in the small bottle included in prospector's set.

What we learned?

Not only in California the Gold Rush took place but also in Colorado, Canada, Alaska
The miners were also called 49ners
The towns with prospectors became very dangerous and lawless
James Willson Marshall found firs gold in river near Sacramento in California
Not many miners became rich and returned home empty handed
Vial is a small tube or a container, usually made of glass
Lawless means uncivilised, violent and without order
Prosepector is an explorer who deals with natural resources such as minerals, oil, flora or fauna
Gold miners used simple manuals tools such as shovels, pickaxes, hammers, chisels and pans