The American Coal Foundation co-sponsors teacher workshops with other educational groups to provide hands-on training about coal and energy.  Joining with the Lignite Energy Council, The Colorado Mining Foundation, the Indiana Division of Reclamation and other groups, teachers across the country learn about energy, coal and mining through hands-on activities and lesson plans.

Cadiz, Kentucky K-3 Students Celebrate Appalachian Days
With materials supplied by the American Coal Foundation, the K-2 students of Trigg County Primary School spent 3 days in March 2009 learning about the culture and history of Appalachia, including the area’s long association with coal mining.  Lead by Instructional Assistant Cheryl Bowers, who transformed a storage closet into a “coal mine”, the students donned donated hard hats and entered the mock mine, where they experienced total darkness for a few seconds.  Before entering the mine, the students learned about mine safety, the importance of coal in today’s world, where coal is mined, and got to handle pieces of real coal.  Appalachian Days also exposed the students to various cultural activities, including regional music, folk dancing, folk tales, and crafts such as candle dipping and basket weaving. Check back soon for photos of the event!