Introduction to Coal – Bell Ringer
Summary
Three quick-fire coal bell ringers prompt students to observe, imagine, and recall before a lesson begins. Prompts move from sensory observation (handling a coal sample) to perspective-taking (the life of a miner) to a knowledge brain dump that works well as a pre-assessment or pair-share warm-up. Ready to drop into any introductory coal unit at the middle or high school level.
This bucket contains average quality coal.
If a piece was in your hand, how would you describe it?
How many physical attributes of coal can you list?
This is a coal mine.
Miners in the USA work 7-12 hour shifts thousands of feet underground.
Write a paragraph imagining what it’s like to be a coal miner.
Brain dump!
How many different facts do you remember about coal?
List as many as you can, then compare with a neighbor. Add any new facts to your list.