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Extracting Oil
Project type: Introductory Activity
Related topic:
Striking Oil in Alberta
Striking Oil in Alberta
Subjects
Geography
Science
Science
Summary
Students will create a poster or a model illustrating the stages in extracting oil and transporting it to storage tanks.
Duration
1 to 2 lessons
Purpose
To outline the steps of oil extraction and refinement
Before Exploring
Write the word “oil” on the chalkboard. Ask students to brainstorm words and ideas about oil, including the process of taking it from the ground and turning it into a useful product. From this activity, you should gain an understanding of students’ base knowledge about the topic.
Outline the Opportunity
Direct students to the topic Alberta’s Oil Economy on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site. They will browse the site to learn about the Leduc well and about how oil was extracted from it. As students work, they should make notes and diagrams showing the phases of oil exploration, extraction, and transportation to refineries.
Place students in groups of two to four. Have students use the information they have gathered to create a poster or a three-dimensional model illustrating the stages required to take oil from the ground and transport it to storage tanks.
Revisit and Reflect
Have students present their work to the class. Students can compare and discuss the presentations and determine reasons for any differences. Together, come to a class consensus about the stages to be sure they are understood by everyone.
Extension
Contact a local oil company and arrange a field trip to an oil-well site or refinery. Alternatively, invite a representative of the company to present information about the processes currently used for exploration, extraction, transportation, storage, and refining of oil.
