Coal-to-Electricity teacher's program

The Coal-to-Electricity teacher-education program has been in operation since 1997. Each summer, approximately 20 Virginia classroom teachers participate in a two-week summer instruction program. One week of instruction at Virginia Tech  includes presentations by Virginia Tech faculty, and representatives of public agencies and southwest Virginia's industry. During the second week, teachers visit coal mines, reclamation sites, power plants, and the Powell River Project Education Center in Wise County. Participating teachers gain knowledge that helps them integrate Virginia energy concepts into their classroom teaching programs.

Powell River Project is a major sponsor of the Coal-to-Electricity teacher-education program. Virginia Coal Council plays a major role in the program. Other sponsors include American Electric Power, Center for Energy and Economic Development, CSX Corporation, Norfolk Southern, Pittston Coal, and Virginia Power. Mary Quillen, a former Virginia Tech graduate student and currently a school teacher in Coeburn, Wise County, is the program director. Faculty supervisor is Tom Sherman, Virginia Tech Department of Teaching and Learning.

Teaching Environmental Economics

During the summers of 1997 and 1998, teachers participating in the summer program entitled "Teaching Environmental Economics" developed a workbook of lesson plans centered on coal and electricity, which is listed below. Powell River Project personnel participated in the instructional program, and Project funds were used to print and distribute the workbook. A limited number of copies of this workbook remain available.

Publication

Ellerbrock, Michael (ed). 1998. Economic Education Lessons on Coal: the Power of Virginia - Activities for K-12 Teachers and Extension Agents. Center for Economic Education, Virginia Tech.