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Title:  Class Presentation on Coal
Level:  Primary, Middle
Time:  2-3 class periods for preparation; 1-2 class periods for presentation.

Objective:

Student will gather, organize, and present information about coal and its uses in an oral presentation.

Background Information:

• Coal is formed from the remains of vegetation that grew as long as 400 million years ago.
• There are two major types of coal mining – surface mining and underground (deep) mining.
• Coal is used to generate electricity, for industry, for making steel and for export.
• The coal industry, with the federal and state governments, has worked to achieve a steady decline in combustion pollutant levels, improved water management practices and increased land reclamation efforts.
• Coal is one of the world’s most abundant, efficient, and affordable fuels.

Materials:

• Resources containing information about coal and electricity (www.coaleducation.org).
• Pictures or other visual aids.
• Supplies to make charts, graphs, etc.

Activity:

1. Assign students to one of the following groups:

   - Creating Energy From Coal - Benefits From Coal Energy - Environmental Issues of Coal Mining

   - Coal Mining - Coal Formation

2. Students will conduct their own research on the topic assigned.  Encourage the use of the Internet if available (see the Coal Education website at www.coaleducation.org and related links).  Students should prepare a presentation that includes visuals as well as written information.  Graphs, charts, and tables are possible visuals that would enhance the presentation.  Clarify your expectations and grading scale.  Example:  In order to get an A, the group must have at least two illustrations, a one-page narrative, etc.
    

3.  Assign a specific time limit for the presentation.  Evaluate groups according to their research and presentation.

Provided by American Coal Foundation