Science of Coal – Economic Trade-Offs Simulation – Student

Summary

Students step into the role of an energy company, choosing a coal plant size and scrubber type, then working through a structured series of calculations to find gross profit, operating costs, emissions penalties, and health and environmental externalities. Eight reflection questions ask students to evaluate their choices and consider who bears the real costs of energy production. A strong fit for APES or high school Earth science units on energy trade-offs and systems thinking.