You might be surprised to find methane detectors, emergency breathing devices and other coal mining equipment in an average school classroom.

But such a sight is becoming more common, thanks to a new program sponsored by West Virginia University Mining Extension, part of the Department of Extension and Outreach in the College of Engineering and Mineral Resources.

WVU Mining Extension agent Tom Hall is providing classroom sessions,Coal and its Role in the State of West Virginia,for middle school science students.

Hall has a bachelors degree from Fairmont State College and has worked as an underground coal miner. He has been at WVU for more than 25 years as an Extension agent, teaching classes for new and experienced coal miners.

The new program got its start when Halls brother, a science teacher, asked Hall to come to his class and talk to students about mining.

Since then, it snowballed,Hall said.When one teacher hears about the program, he or she tells another, and it goes on from there.

Currently, Hall is doing the sessions mainly in Marion County, where he lives, but he says that he hopes to expand it in the future. Most of Halls participants are fifth and sixth grade students, but he can adapt the program for fifth through 12th grades.

I always ask the students how many of them have a friend or relative who is associated with the mining industry,Hall said.Usually, more than half of them raise their hands. Many of them know something about coal mining, but this class teaches them a lot more.

Hall also talks with the students about careers in the mining industry, such as becoming a mining engineer or a miner.

I tell them that its an industry that they can work in that will last longer than they will live,Hall said.We have at least 200 more years of coal mining ahead of us in West Virginia.

Besides demonstrating the use of mining equipment, Hall also shows a video about the industry and gives the students handouts with information about mining.

One of the most important parts of the presentation is making real-life connections to the mining industry, said Hall.

For example, he discusses how coal affects electricity production and cost in the state. He always allows time at the end of the session for students to ask questions.

I am as honest with them as possible,Hall said.I want them to know how much coal impacts their lives in West Virginia. Its part of our heritage and part of our culture.

WVU Mining Extension was established in 1913 to extend the resources and expertise of the University to coal miners of the state and nation. The department provides opportunities for personal, educational and industrial advancement through on and off-campus instructional courses in mining.

For more information about classroom sessions, contact Hall at 304-366-3795, Thomas.Hall@mail.wvu.edu ; or WVU Mining Extension at 304-293-4211, ext. 3800.