Coal in the Heart of Appalachia: An Interdisciplinary Exploration of the Science and Culture of Coal

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Interdisciplinary (99) Courses for non-science majors and pre- and in-service science teachers are integrating the sciences and the humanities through the exploration of a socially and personally relevant issue, the coal industry in Appalachia. Use of an issue unique to the region that is a part of their cultural heritage personalizes science for the students. The students are learning and valuing science as a result of the emotional connection they are making with it. The project is an adaptation of the learning community concept in which groups of students are co-enrolled in the interdisciplinary science course Coal in the Heart of Appalachia and the humanities course, Introduction to Folklore Studies. The latter course emphasizes the cultural impacts of coal. A seminar for pre-service, secondary science education majors, Thematic Integration of Sciences, is improving the students' understanding of the interconnectedness among the sciences and is enhancing their ability to apply this knowledge to societal issues. The courses are constructivist-based, promote civic responsibility and model best practices in science education.