Students trace the development of the petrochemical industry in Texas. Next they examine how global oil prices affect the Texas economy. Then they learn about the benefits and potential consequences of fracking. Finally, they explore alternative energy source production in Texas.
Students view an image of the Spindletop oil gusher and read an introduction explaining that Texas has been a world leader in the petrochemical industry since 1901 and that petrochemicals are products derived from oil and natural gas. They then respond to a word cloud prompt by naming everyday products their families use that are made with petrochemicals.
Teacher MovesIntroduce the experience focus and objectives, highlighting the long-term importance of oil and gas to Texas. Provide examples of common petrochemical products (such as gasoline, heating oil, rubber, plastics, and tires) as needed, and prepare students to learn more about petrochemical products in the next scene.
Students examine a photograph of a football player and read text explaining that many items in the image, such as the helmet, football, and cleats, are made with petrochemicals. They read Petrochemical Industry to learn how the Texas petrochemical industry has developed over the last 50 years and then answer multiple-choice questions about the industry’s growth, products, regional concentration, and environmental impacts. Students also review a chart from How petrochemicals are used today showing how a barrel of oil is used and zoom in on the applications section to see a range of petrochemical-based products, then respond to a word cloud prompt identifying one surprising product from the list.
Teacher MovesClarify connections between familiar objects and petrochemicals, and ensure students understand key ideas from the reading before they answer the questions. After students submit word cloud responses, lead a brief discussion about which products surprised them and why, using their reactions to deepen understanding of how widespread petrochemical use is.
Students read an explanation of how oil and gas have shaped the Texas economy over the past century, including the effects of OPEC’s 1973 oil embargo and the more recent rise of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) as a method for extracting oil and natural gas. They then watch the first 4 minutes and 40 seconds of the video Fracking the Eagle Ford Shale to learn about both the economic benefits and potential environmental consequences of fracking, and post a brief summary of those benefits and consequences to a class wall.
Teacher MovesHighlight the relationship between global events, oil prices, and the Texas economy, and define fracking in clear terms. After students view the video and post summaries, emphasize key economic benefits (such as job creation and increased salaries) and environmental concerns (such as air pollution and breathing problems), using student posts to check for understanding and correct misconceptions.
Students examine a graph titled “Texas Electricity Sources” and read text explaining the petrochemical industry’s central role in the Texas economy, the finite nature of oil and gas, and the state’s increasing use of renewable energy sources like wind and solar. They then imagine they are in charge of Texas’s future energy policy and write a letter to the citizens of Texas outlining a plan that weighs the pros and cons of the petrochemical industry against those of alternative energy sources, including ideas about transportation and energy efficiency. Finally, they read classmates’ letters and respond to at least two with a question or positive comment.
Teacher MovesGuide students in interpreting the electricity sources graph and in considering both economic and environmental trade-offs between petrochemicals and renewable energy. Support students as they draft their policy letters by prompting them to include specific evidence and to address both benefits and drawbacks. Encourage constructive peer feedback by modeling thoughtful questions and positive, specific comments on classmates’ ideas.
Students complete the exit quiz by answering all the questions.
Teacher MovesFacilitate the assessment and use student data to evaluate understanding, address misconceptions, and identify areas for growth.
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