Understanding Coal

Hands-on, critical thinking activities introduce intermediate students to the formation of coal, the coal mining process, reclamation of lands, uses of coal, electricity generation, and advantages and disadvantages of utilizing coal. 112 pages.  Find related curricula at www.need.org.

This Mine Of Mine

Middle school students explore the formation, geology, recovery, and uses of coal, as well as the reclamation of coal mine sites. Using sand, clay, soil and rocks, students build a miniature plot of land containing coal deposits. Students then learn about surface mining, and practice the method on a plot of land. After the coal is mined, students reclaim the plot of land and discuss how the coal is transported and used. 10 pages.  Find related curricula at www.need.org.  Originally from Project Stone. 

All About Coal

Introduce primary and elementary students to the formation of coal, the coal mining process, reclamation of lands, and the uses of coal. Hands-on, multi-disciplinary activities. Free download.  59 pages.  Find related curricula at www.need.org.

Saskatchewan Mining Association Resources For Teachers Grades 9-12

Conduct activities about potash, uranium, coal, gold and modern mining techniques. Activities are from Saskatchewan Mining Association.

Grades 9-12

Potash, uranium and coal activities by resource:

Potash mining and new pilot mineral exploration activities.
Potash and Uranium Mining and Mill Tours.

Saskatchewan Mining Association Resources For Teachers Grades 6-8

Conduct activities about potash, uranium, coal, gold and modern mining techniques. Activities are from the Saskatchewan Mining Association.

Grades 6-8

Potash, coal and new pilot mineral exploration activities.
Potash, uranium and coal activities by resource.
Potash and Uranium Mining and Mill Tours.

Mine Safety Primer

This eight-page National Energy Foundation publication contains information about the importance of mining, technological advances in mining, hazards around abandoned mines and quarries, mining careers and abandoned mine safety practices. Activities include “Mine Safety News,” “Abandoned Mines and Unsafe Air” and multiple additional activity suggestions like “Mine Hazard Charades” and “Name a Danger.”

11″ x 17″ two-color newspaper-format

Suggested Grades: K-8

Electricity Primer

This eight-page National Energy Foundation publication provides background information on electricity, a glossary and related hands-on activities.

This is a good companion piece to the Iron In Our Electrical World Video and Coal Poster.

11″ x 17″ two-color newspaper-format

Suggested Grades: 3 – 8

Coal Primer

Information, a glossary and activities about the formation, mining and uses of coal, and new coal technologies and the environment.