Find out where we get the coal that powers our homes and industries. This is a PowerPoint presentation outlining how coal is formed, mined, processed and used. All slides contain images or maps. Teacher’s notes are included.

Educational value statement

• Includes maps showing locations of coal deposits in Australia
• Includes details of open-cut and underground mining as well as site rehabilitation.
• Teacher’s notes contain background information and some suggestions for activities and discussion topics
• Can be downloaded as a PPT file.

Key learning objectives

• Students identify coal as an important resource and describe how it is used
• Students describe how coal is formed and explain why it is regarded as a non-renewable resource.
• Students describe the methods of mining coal.
• Students explain how mine sites are rehabilitated after use.

Strands

• Science Understanding: Earth and space sciences; Physical sciences
• Science as a Human Endeavour: Use and influence of science
• (Geographical knowledge and understanding: Environment)

Australian Curriculum content statements
Science: ACSSU032; ACSSU074; ACSSU116; ACSSU153;