Subject:
Social Studies/Geography, Science, Language Arts, Mathematics, Technology

Learner Outcomes:

• To identify and recognize the following terminology: silt, debris, fossil, decomposition, organic.
• To understand the history of coal and the heritage of coal in our community.
• Students will simulate the formation of coal.
• Students will observe, interpret, and record data.

Duration of Lesson:
One 45 minute class period.  (The activity takes from 4-6 weeks to complete.)

Materials:
aquarium
fine to medium grained sand
fern fronds
twigs
plant leaves
screen or sifter
fine silt
water
notebook or graph of observations
students' glossary notebooks with vocabulary entered

Technology Tools/Courseware:
Coal Country Software Presentation to introduce lesson and vocabulary.
Excel to create charts/graphs/etc.

Teacher notes:
The Coal Simulation can be a smelly activity.  You may want to place it in an area out of the way where it will not disturb your class.
Ask for parent chaperones for upcoming field trip.

Procedures:
Coal Country Software  Presentation
Activities:  Coal Assimilation and/or /Coal Formation
Have students compose a definition or picture depicting the meaning of vocabulary terms.

Modifications:
Instead of writing observations, have students draw comic strip type diagrams showing the changes in the activity.
Take pictures to label and record changes.
Keep a class chart or graph to record changes.

Enrichment Activities:
Coal Assimilation Activity  (Aquarium) and/or Coal Formation Activity (TV)
Marshmallow Moosh
Cookie Bar Coal

Evaluation/Assessment:
Vocabulary Assessment
Rubrics for  technology and teamwork.
 

WV IGOs:
Language Arts:  5.1, 5.4, 5.8, 5.13, 5.33, 5.36, 5.52, 5.62
Mathematics: 5.23, 5.26, 5.36
Science: 5.10, 5.14, 5.17
Technology: 5.79
History/Geography: 5.30

National Standards:

Technology

6.  Understands the nature and uses of different forms of technology.
Behavioral Studies
4.  Understands conflict, cooperation, and interdependance among individuals groups, and institutions.

17.  Understands how geography is used to interpret the past.

1.  Uses a variety of strategies in the problem solving process.

4.  Gathers and uses information for research purposes.
8.  Uses listening and speaking strategies for different purposes.
9.  Uses viewing skills and strategies to understand and interpret visual media.

References:
Coal Activities for Elementary Students (American Coal Foundation)
Coal Education Kit (Illinois Department of Energy)
Coal Country Software

Authors-Burch Middle School
Jeanne Brewster
Helen Curry
Judy Smith