The Pittsburgh Coal Mining Institute of America (PCMIA) in partnership with the Pittsburgh Section of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, Inc. (SME) will be accepting grant papers from teachers for incorporating mining or mining-related themes into the science curriculum at their school. It is the PCMIA & SME’s intent to assist those teachers that do not have sufficient funding for their science-based teaching curriculums with this grant. Teachers in the western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, or northern West Virginia area, at all grade levels (K-12), are encouraged to submit papers.

The papers should be no more than one page, typed single-spaced and should 1) identify the area of mining or mining-related theme to be incorporated into the curriculum, 2) how this mining area or mining related theme will be incorporated, 3) the method of teaching to be used, and 4) the expected outcome. While any paper that incorporates any mining or mining-related theme into the science curriculum will be evaluated, the following topics should also be considered: mining exploration, development, production, health and safety issues, environmental, economic impact or uses of mining products. The paper should cover teaching curriculum that will be used during the 2010-2011 school year.

It is anticipated that one (1) award will be made at the $500 level to be used (in any manner) in conjunction with the proposed science curriculum. An ad hoc panel from both the PCMIA and SME will evaluate submitted papers. Be advised, the target date for considering papers for grant funding is September 21, 2010.
The winner of the grant will be announced and presented to the successful teacher at the PCMIA/SME Joint Annual Meeting at the Hilton Garden Inn-Southpointe, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania on October 28, 2010.

Submission of Proposed PCMIA/SME Grant Papers

Papers should be clearly identified for consideration by the PCMIA & SME. Copies of the papers should be sent to Brian Shaffer, Alpha Natural Resources, 158 Portal Road, PO Box 1020, Waynesburg, PA 15370. Papers may also be submitted via email to Brian Shaffer at bshaffer@alphanr.com. The papers should identify the teacher’s name, school, grade level, address, telephone and fax number, and email address (if available).

Further information may be obtained about this grant by contacting any or all of the following individuals: Brian Shaffer (724.627.2286), Susan Bealko (412.386.6720), or Edward Zeglen (724.627.2208).