Free, editable Google Slides deck for Science of Coal: reading, computation, data set, and lab, ready to project.
Science of Coal
Summary
This free resource packet covers coal from formation to combustion, walking students through a video, readings, data analysis, and a hands-on economic simulation where they manage a coal power plant and weigh financial and environmental trade-offs. Twelve components include differentiated readings, computation practice, a per capita CO2 data set, and an exit ticket, with a full teacher guide and answer key included. Built for APES or high school Earth science teachers who want a complete, ready-to-run coal unit.
Activities
Bell Ringer
Choose one of the Bell Ringers provided to display for students to answer.
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 (Kahoot).
Reading
Have students read the info sheet on the Science of Coal and answer the comprehension questions.
Extended Reading
Have students read the extended info sheet on the Science of Coal and answer the comprehension questions.
Data Set
Have students analyze CO2 emissions from coal and answer questions. Review key terms, then discuss trends as a class.
Hands-On - Teacher Guide
Download this teacher guide to walk students through making decisions about coal plant size and pollution controls and analyzing how those choices affect financial outcomes, emissions, and societal impacts.
Hands-On - Student Guide
Use this handout with students to place them in the role of an energy company managing the construction and operation of a coal-burning power plant.
Teacher Guide
Download this teacher guide that serves as a walkthrough with answers for the Science of Coal lesson.
Answer Key
This short document provides answers to key activities in the Science of Coal lesson.
Downloadables