When I teach Earth Science or Physical Science I’ll often include lessons about Energy. One of my favorite lessons is about Coal. Here is an entire unit for secondary students. I find that a bright sixth grader can tackle this level of material. Be sure to try Cookie Mining, which has a bit about the economics of coal. Have you heard of a Coal Tree? It has coal products—like the graphic below. If you live in driving distance, Buckley WV has an Exhibition Coal Mine; the tour is interesting. No, you aren’t miles underground for hours. (If you visit Beckley, stop at Tamarack.) Heritage Farm Museum has a Coal Mining lesson which would dovetail well with the Beckley Mine. (One of the local Co-op groups took a field trip to Beckley.) Much of our electricity comes from coal. Schools used to teach kids about industry. Be a maverick! Teach about coal!
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