Environmental Impact of Coal Power Plants Virtual Lab

This short, targeted simulation is adapted from the full-length “Chemistry Safety” simulation.

What is global warming? In this simulation, you will dive into an offshore algae farm and explore how our current way of using coal power plants to provide a source of energy is harming our environment. You will learn all about greenhouse gas emissions and pollution produced by coal power plants, the fishing industry, as well as algal blooms, and how these contribute to global warming and the implications they can have on the aquatic ecosystem.

Teleport to the Algae Farm in Northwest Alaska

From the lab room to the algae farm without having to travel at all! The citizens have decided to make a change to their sustainability and environmental protection. You will identify the two main concerns that prevent this through an interactive animation.

Proposing a greener solution

In order to help the citizens improve sustainability, the students would need to understand how to solve the problems of the power plant and fish farming. This involves how to effectively reduce emissions from the plant and water pollution from the farm. Tying that all in to a proposed solution of the production of biofuels.

How can biofuel be the answer

The students can visualize the positive effects such production can significantly reduce the occurrence of the harmful consequences of burning coal and fish farming.

Review your knowledge

The students are able to reflect back on the knowledge they have gained throughout the activity by answering completing quiz questions that tests and broadens the scope of their knowledge around the topic.