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DNR Reclamation's outreach and education staff member Colleen Baughman (above) developed the annual Indiana mineral education teachers' workshop a few years ago and already is achieving national recognition.
The Interstate Mining Compact Commission recognized Baughman's work based on a nomination by Bryce West, reclamation manager of Black Beauty Coal Company.
"Colleen's hard work and outstanding achievements serve as a model for all of us," West said. "We felt it was appropriate to honor a government employee whom we feel has gone above and beyond to educate Hoosiers about the importance of coal mining, especially the next generations of decision makers."
The annual workshops provide hands-on sessions for more than 40 teachers each year. All sessions are interactive and feature exercises the teachers can use in their classrooms.
Teachers learn about mining and land restoration through activities called chocolate chip mining, birdseed mining, ore body mining (mineral exploration using Play Doh) and by making toothpaste.
Activities are directed by DNR staff members who tie lessons to environmental impact. Each workshop is reinforced with a tour of an active surface coal mine.
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