1. Warm-Up Read the background information below and write one or two sentences to explain why we mine for coal. The past: The past: ► coal burned in small stoves producing heat for homes and factories  Present ► Still as a fuel but not nearly as much as 50 years ago ► largest single consumer of coal as a fuel is the electrical power industry. ► The combustion of coal in power generating plants used to make steam which, in turn, operates turbines and generators. ► Used in industries such as paper, production, cement and ceramic manufacture, iron and steel production, and chemical manufacture for heating and for steam generation. ► Used in the manufacture of coke. Coke is nearly pure carbon produced when soft coal is heated in the absence of air. ► Coke is of value in industry because it has a heat value higher than any form of natural coal. It is widely used in steel making and in certain chemical processes. ► Coal - Uses ► Coal - Uses ► Our exploration will take us in many directions as we investigate the connections between coal mining and the revitalization of the American Chestnut Tree.

2. Mining and The American Chestnut As humans we interact with other parts of the Earth’s ecosystems. In this activity we will investigate the connections between different parts of Earth’s Systems The Task ► Research your assigned topic using the resources provided ► Create a 3-4 slide PowerPoint that answers the key question(s) ► Be prepared to present the Power Point to the class ► You will be assigned a BCR response for at least one of the presentations so it is important for you to take notes and be attentive during each presentation.

3. Mining for the Coal ► Study the before, during, and after photographs of a strip mine ► Click on the link below for a summary of the process. ► The Process The Process http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/razingappalachia/mtop.html

4. Research Topics ► 1. The American chestnut tree and climate change. ► 2. What special properties does the American Chestnut Tree have that prevent other trees from competing with it? ► 3. Compare the economic impact of The American Chestnut prior to and after the blight. ► 4.Why does carbon bond so easily with other elements and how is that related to the formation of carbon dioxide? ► 5. What are the pros and cons of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere? Think about what the world would be like without it.

5. Topics continued: ► 6. Explain the predator/prey relationship of a biome. (Is the Chestnut the predator or the prey?) ► 7. Why are areas that have been strip mined beginning to plant chestnut trees to reclaim the land? ► 8. Acid mine drainage ► 9. Will coal remain an important energy source in the future? ► 10. What are some potential clean alternative energy sources for the future?