Summary
Several educational programs and materials focus specifically on acid mine drainage — its formation, chemistry, impacts, and remediation. These resources are particularly useful for educators working in Pennsylvania’s coal regions and for watershed groups seeking to build community understanding of AML/AMD issues.
Ask Me About Pyrite #
Ask Me About Pyrite is a classroom education program that teaches students how abandoned mine drainage forms. The lesson explains how the mineral pyrite (iron disulfide, commonly known as fools’ gold) reacts with water and air to produce sulfuric acid — the process responsible for the orange water and orange sediment (called yellowboy) seen in coal region streams throughout Pennsylvania.
The program includes a presentation on AMD formation in the mining context and a memorable hands-on activity: students tie-dye t-shirts using actual yellowboy (iron hydroxide sediment) collected from AMD-impacted streams. The combination of science and craft makes AMD chemistry concrete and memorable for school-age students.
Original program materials were available at the AMR Clearinghouse. Contact WPCAMR or your county conservation district for current program availability and to locate educators who can deliver this lesson.
[Admin: The original program contact (Bruce Golden, (724) 837-5271) was listed in the AMR Clearinghouse source. Verify current contact through WPCAMR before publishing.]
Hands-On AMD Chemistry Experiments #
The USGS published Hands-on Experiments to Test for Acid Mine Drainage by Dr. Eleanora I. Robbins, which provides laboratory and field-compatible experiments for testing AMD chemistry. Originally published by the United States Geological Survey, National Center, Reston, VA. Search USGS Publications Warehouse (pubs.usgs.gov) for current availability.
The Colorado School of Mines has also published materials on AMD chemistry and microbial influences in acid mine drainage formation, relevant for advanced students and educators. Search Colorado School of Mines library resources for current access.
AML/AMD Curriculum Connections #
AMD topics connect directly to multiple PA STEELS curriculum areas:
- Chemistry — Pyrite oxidation reactions, pH, acid-base chemistry, metals precipitation (see Pyrite Reactions and Acids, Bases, and pH)
- Aquatic ecology — Macroinvertebrate monitoring, biotic index, stream health assessment (see Macroinvertebrate Guide)
- Earth systems — Coal formation, mining geology, groundwater (see Mining Methods and AMD and Ground Water)
- Environmental science and engineering — Treatment system design, passive treatment, restoration planning
The Pennsylvania Envirothon — Aquatic Ecology Station #
The PA Envirothon’s Aquatic Ecology station is one of the most accessible entry points for connecting AMD to structured student assessment. Students work with aquatic biologists to assess stream quality, identify aquatic organisms, and understand non-point source pollution — all directly applicable to AMD-impacted streams. Many PA Envirothon competitions take place in or near coalfield communities. See Student and Youth Programs for Envirothon participation information.
Related Pages #
- What is AMD? (AML and AMD Basics)
- How AMD is Formed (AML and AMD Basics)
- Impacts of AMD (AML and AMD Basics)
- Pyrite Reactions (Watershed Tools — Chemistry Fundamentals)
- Educator Resources and Training
- Student and Youth Programs
Source and Last Reviewed
Sources: AMR Clearinghouse source material; USGS; Colorado School of Mines; PA Envirothon (envirothonpa.org).
Last reviewed: 2026-03 | Original program contacts require verification through WPCAMR and county conservation districts.
Tags: education, amd, practitioner, educator, pa
