Science of Coal – Economic Trade-Offs Simulation – Student

Summary

The “Economic Trade-Offs Simulation” is a multi-day, high-level hands-on coal activity where high school students step into the role of an energy company. Students will make decisions about power plant size and pollution controls, then use a spreadsheet to calculate how those choices impact profit, environmental penalties, and societal costs. The activity emphasizes critical thinking about the balance between economic and environmental responsibilities.