Science of Coal – Bell Ringer
Summary
Three bell ringer prompts give teachers flexible entry points into a coal unit, covering coal’s properties, formation, and environmental trade-offs. Teachers can select the prompt that best fits where their students are in the unit. Works across middle school and high school science courses with no materials or prep required.
What is coal? Can you describe what it looks like and where you might find it?
How is coal formed? Describe the process and the conditions needed for coal formation.
Discuss the environmental impacts of coal mining and burning. What are some alternatives to coal for energy production?
