In this Citizen Journalism Project students will explore historical coal production, history of unionization and the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), the uses of coal including power generation, and finally the fiscal responsibility of coal companies to their employees.

The final product of this assignment will be a 5-7 minute video which will support the students interpretation of “Fairness…..in the coal field.”  Students will be encouraged to look beyond the issue facing retirees and employees of Patriot Coal and explore the consequences of this legal action upon the industry as a whole and the future of coal in their lifetime.

To evaluate, synthesize, and reach a conclusion on this topic students will need to explore historical information regarding the production of coal, the formation of the UMWA, and the current and future production needs of coal.