Introduction to Coal – Mining Simulation – Teacher

Summary

The full teacher guide includes setup instructions, materials lists, pricing rules, and reflection prompts for a two-part hands-on simulation where students act as mining companies and energy producers, extracting simulated coal from layered materials and then generating electricity while tracking emissions. Part 1 walks students through surface mining economics and land reclamation. Part 2 adds a power generation round that makes CO2 trade-offs tangible. Parts can be taught together or independently at the middle or high school level.