Choose one of the Bell Ringers provided to display for students to answer.
Introduction to Coal
Summary
This comprehensive ready-to-teach introduction to coal lesson is designed for middle school students to explore this foundational energy source. The lesson includes bell ringer prompts, a video quiz, and a data analysis activity on global coal consumption. The hands-on coal mining simulation helps students understand the trade-offs of using coal, while the entire resource is supported by detailed teacher guides and answer keys for easy implementation.
Activities
Video
Play this short video on coal to spark curiosity and encourage thoughtful discussion.
Vocabulary + Quiz
Have students review the vocabulary terms, watch the video, and answer the questions in the quiz and cloze notes.
Data Set
Have students analyze a global coal production and consumption data chart and answer questions. Review key terms, then discuss trends as a class.
Hands On - Teacher Guide
Download this teacher guide to walk students through simulating coal-based energy production while exploring its environmental impact. This hands-on has two parts that can be used independently or combined for an extended lab.
Hands On - Student Guide
Use this handout with students to simulate coal-based energy production while exploring its environmental impact. This hands-on has two parts that can be used independently or combined for an extended lab.
Teacher Guide
Download this teacher guide that serves as a walkthrough with answers for the Introduction to Coal lesson.
Answer Key
This short document provides answers to key activities in the Introduction to Coal lesson.
Downloadables