WEBQUEST

Created by:

Debra Blakey

June 19, 2002

		DIG THAT COAL
Introduction	Task	Process	Evaluation	Conclusion	Teacher Notes
Introduction		Did you hear that? It was an explosion! You are at a coal surface mine gathering information for a presentation at a town meeting. So, put on your hard hat and safety glasses!!! Let’s get ready for another BOOM!!!
Task		It has been announced that COAL has been discovered in Jefferson County, Illinois. You and your partners have been asked to make a presentation at the next town meeting to inform the public about how coal was formed, the surface mine process, and the reclamation process. You will be asked to pass out fact sheets to all the people in attendance at the meeting. You must do research and get prepared. You will be on a presentation team of 3 people. Your group’s TASK is to create a fact sheet on each of the following topics: *How Coal was Formed *The Surface Mine Process *The Reclamation Process And then make a presentation at the next town meeting.
Process		Step 1: The teacher will divide you into groups of 3. Step 2: Now you and your fellow researchers must begin the process of finding information to pass out at the town meeting. The topics for the 3 fact sheets are: *How Coal was Formed *The Surface Mine Process *The Reclamation Process You must browse the sites listed below to gather information for your sloppy copy as you prepare to create your fact sheets. What is Coal? Coal from the Beginning Surface Mine Coal Miners at Work Coal Facts Coal Questions & Answers Reclamation Reclamation Information Mine Locations Step 3: After you have gathered the information you must create a fact sheet for each of the 3 topics above. Each fact sheet must consist of 4 facts or more. Include both positive and negative details about coal. Be sure to make your fact sheets appealing to those in the audience. Place a graphic on each fact sheet. A rubric will be use to assess your project. Step 4: Now for your presentation. You and your partners will take your places at the front of the room to inform the town’s people of what you have discovered. Please make your presentation appealing for those listening. A rubric will be used to assess your presentation.
Evaluation		Fact Sheet Evaluation: Each fact sheet from your group will be evaluated by using a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to turning in finished fact sheets. Be careful you have included all necessary information. Presentation Evaluation: The group presentation will be evaluated using a rubric. Be sure to visit the rubric before making the presentation! The rubric will explain what is needed for the presentation
Conclusion		You and your group gathered information, created fact sheets, and make a presentation about how coal was formed, the surface mine process, and the reclamation process. Congratulations!!!
Teacher Notes		*Appropriate Grade Level: 3^rd – 5^th Grades. *This lesson meets the following Illinois Learning Standards: Science 12.E.2a; 12.E.2b; Language Arts 3B.2a; 4B.2a *Prior to Lesson: The following vocabulary words should be taught before beginning the lesson – surface mine peat coal coal seam reclamation *More information about coal along with lesson plans can be obtained from: Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs Barbara Antonini, Education Coordinator 620 E. Adams St. Springfield, Illinois 62701 e-mail: bantonin@commerce.state.il.us *Disclaimer: The author is only responsible for this specific page. *Send comments or questions to: dblakey@roe25.com