A panning tool is described and comprises a sifting scoop comprising an elongated half sphere of proportional dimensions. The elongated half sphere can be a one-piece main body comprising a floor with a front edge, a left side wall curving upwardly along the floor's left side, a right side wall curving upwardly along the floor's right side, and a back wall curving upwardly from the floor's back side. The left side wall, right side wall, and back wall define a reservoir. The floor extends forwardly from the back side. The panning tool comprises a connection body. The connection body is affixed to an interior face of the sifting scoop. Methods of using the panning tool and manufacturing the sifting scoop are also described.