Reclaimed Mine Sites
One of the most interesting parts of this coal "experience" has been the discussions about what can be done with the land after mining has taken place. Today we had the chance to visit several sites that showed wonderful examples of how the land can be reclaimed. We began this morning with a stop at a strip mall near Chapmanville. The shopping center has been built on a former mine site. Interestingly enough, the underground mine was not filled in before the construction took place. Currently, they are having to go back and "fix" the shortcuts that were taken which is probably costing more than it would have if it was done right the first time...definitely a life lesson we can pass on to our students!
We also saw an airport that was built on the top of a mountain on a reclaimed mine site. Some other purposed land is used for grazing cattle, golf courses, and schools.
CoalMac Surface Mine
Everyday it seems as though I have had a new "highlight" of the trip. Well today my experiences were topped once again as we visited a current mine site. What made this site so interesting was that we were able to see all the different stages of mining side by side. There was land where mining hasn't begun, current mining taking place, and all kinds of different stages of reclaimed land. I found it especially interesting that many of the complaints about how the reclaimed land doesn't look like it did before being mined, is actually due to the requirements that are set for the exact way the mine companies have to contour the "new" mountains. When hearing the whole story it made total sense how you must take into account preventing erosion and the different stages of planting grass, then brush and trees. We saw a piece of land that was mined six years ago and it was astounding how natural things were beginning to look. There was also wildlife including deer, wild turkeys, bears, grasshoppers, etc...
Mountain Laurel Processing Plant
The whole experience... We have studied early coal mining and the changes that have taken place, seen the past and present coal mines, but now we had the chance to see the processing plant where the coal is cleaned. We actually were able to walk through the entire plant and see the complete process. It was yet another completely different view of things. I always thought I knew a lot about coal, but now I realize how wrong I have been!
A few thoughts...
At dinner tonight, Steve asked his "question of the day." What can you take back to your students immediately?? I instantly thought about the variety of jobs that we saw displayed today. The stereotypical coal miner (at least in my limited view) is an underground miner like you see on the Spike TV show, Coal. Yet, we have seen such a range of jobs from truck drivers to engineers (mining, civil, environmental, and electrical) to human resources to manufacturers to well...you get the point. I don't think my students realize how many different types of opportunities await them and the amount of money they can make by taking advantage of them. Sure I want to apply what we have learned to math, but even more than that, I want to apply it to the lives of my students. After all, I don't just teach math, I teach students...the very people that will determine the future of our state and country. First, I want them to learn that to form an opinion on a subject you need to hear ALL sides of the story and experience things for yourself and THEN come to your conclusion. (Math application: There are many ways to get a correct answer to just about any problem, but my students need to be able to explain how they came to their conclusions.) Second, I want them to be aware of their surroundings and the future that awaits them and that starts by having an appreciation for the history and future of our state, country, and world and a good place to start is with our natural resources.
One of the most interesting parts of this coal "experience" has been the discussions about what can be done with the land after mining has taken place. Today we had the chance to visit several sites that showed wonderful examples of how the land can be reclaimed. We began this morning with a stop at a strip mall near Chapmanville. The shopping center has been built on a former mine site. Interestingly enough, the underground mine was not filled in before the construction took place. Currently, they are having to go back and "fix" the shortcuts that were taken which is probably costing more than it would have if it was done right the first time...definitely a life lesson we can pass on to our students!
We also saw an airport that was built on the top of a mountain on a reclaimed mine site. Some other purposed land is used for grazing cattle, golf courses, and schools.
CoalMac Surface Mine
Everyday it seems as though I have had a new "highlight" of the trip. Well today my experiences were topped once again as we visited a current mine site. What made this site so interesting was that we were able to see all the different stages of mining side by side. There was land where mining hasn't begun, current mining taking place, and all kinds of different stages of reclaimed land. I found it especially interesting that many of the complaints about how the reclaimed land doesn't look like it did before being mined, is actually due to the requirements that are set for the exact way the mine companies have to contour the "new" mountains. When hearing the whole story it made total sense how you must take into account preventing erosion and the different stages of planting grass, then brush and trees. We saw a piece of land that was mined six years ago and it was astounding how natural things were beginning to look. There was also wildlife including deer, wild turkeys, bears, grasshoppers, etc...
Mountain Laurel Processing Plant
The whole experience... We have studied early coal mining and the changes that have taken place, seen the past and present coal mines, but now we had the chance to see the processing plant where the coal is cleaned. We actually were able to walk through the entire plant and see the complete process. It was yet another completely different view of things. I always thought I knew a lot about coal, but now I realize how wrong I have been!
A few thoughts...
At dinner tonight, Steve asked his "question of the day." What can you take back to your students immediately?? I instantly thought about the variety of jobs that we saw displayed today. The stereotypical coal miner (at least in my limited view) is an underground miner like you see on the Spike TV show, Coal. Yet, we have seen such a range of jobs from truck drivers to engineers (mining, civil, environmental, and electrical) to human resources to manufacturers to well...you get the point. I don't think my students realize how many different types of opportunities await them and the amount of money they can make by taking advantage of them. Sure I want to apply what we have learned to math, but even more than that, I want to apply it to the lives of my students. After all, I don't just teach math, I teach students...the very people that will determine the future of our state and country. First, I want them to learn that to form an opinion on a subject you need to hear ALL sides of the story and experience things for yourself and THEN come to your conclusion. (Math application: There are many ways to get a correct answer to just about any problem, but my students need to be able to explain how they came to their conclusions.) Second, I want them to be aware of their surroundings and the future that awaits them and that starts by having an appreciation for the history and future of our state, country, and world and a good place to start is with our natural resources.
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